WONDERS OF SCIENCE, THE

The Wonders of Science reveals that the physical world is a far more complex and amazing world than it appears to be, so wondrous that it almost defies comprehension. Brilliant scientists have devoted their lives to uncovering these secrets. However, everyone should be able to share the joy of learning about these wonders. No detailed knowledge of science is required to understand these new discoveries, which include quantum theory, relativity theory, string theory, chaos theory, black holes, dark matter, dark energy, the multidimensional universe, quarks, and much more. These many topics are here described in a clear and accessible presentation that can be enjoyed by everyone.

Even the greatest scientists sometimes make mistakes. Included in the book are some of the blunders made by leading scientists, including Nobel Prize winners.

Contents:

• Introduction
• The Wonders of Physics:
  • The Submicroscopic Universe
  • Dark Matter and Dark Energy
  • Quantum Theory: The Future Does Not Exist
  • Quantum Theory: Knowledge Does Not Exist Without a Measurement
  • Black Holes
  • Gravity: The Theories of Newton and Einstein
  • Quantum Gravity, String Theory, and the 10-Dimensional Universe
  • Chaos Theory: Predicting the Weather and the Butterfly Effect
  • The Solar System: Geocentric versus Heliocentric
  • Mathematics in the Service of Science
  • The Fine-Tuned Universe: Why Does the Sun Shine?
• The Wonders of Evolution:
  • Evolution: Denial
  • Evolution: Religion
  • Challenges to Evolution
  • Gradualism versus the Fossil Record
  • Mass Extinctions: 'Bad Genes or Bad Luck?'
  • Darwin's Theory of Evolution: Pros and Cons
  • Darwin's Theory of Evolution: Confusion
  • Evolution of Human Beings
  • Are Contemporary Human Beings Continuing to Evolve?
  • Are Contemporary Human Beings Unique Creatures? The Neolithic Revolution
• Blunders of Great Scientists:
  • Isaac Newton (1642–1727)
  • Albert Einstein (1879–1955)
  • Charles Darwin (1809–1882)
  • Marie Curie (1867–1934
  • Alan Turing (1912–1954)
  • Lev Landau (1908–1968)
  • Niels Bohr (1885–1962)
  • Lord Kelvin (William Thomson) (1824–1907)
  • Enrico Fermi (1901–1954)
  • Robert Boyle (1627–1691)
  • Ernest Rutherford (1871–1937)
  • Henry Fairfield Osborn (1857–1935)
  • Marcellin Boule (1861–1942
  • Sir Grafton Elliot Smith (1871–1937)
  • Sir Arthur Keith (1864–1944)
  • Sir Arthur Smith Woodward (1866–1955)
  • Blunders of the Scientific Community: Treatment of Women Scientists
• Epilogue
• Author Index
• Subject Index

Readership: This book can be enjoyed by anyone who has an interest in science. It is suitable for a science course in a Community College or for a high school honors program.