The discoveries

great breakthroughs in 20th century science

By Lightman, Alan P.

Publishers Summary:
An unprecedented explosion of creativity, insight, and breakthrough occurred in every field of science in the last century. These discoveries profoundly changed the way we understand the world and our place in it. Now physicist and novelist Lightman tells the stories of two dozen of the most seminal discoveries. He paints the intellectual and emotional landscape of each discovery, portrays the personalities and human drama of the scientists involved, and explains the significance and impact of the work. He explores such questions as whether there were common patterns of research, whether the discoveries were accidental or intentional, and whether the scientists were aware of or oblivious to the significance of what they had found. Finally, Lightman gives a guided tour through each of the original papers, which are included in the book.--From publisher description.

 Not Rated. Be the first to rate this product!

ISBN
978-0-37542-168-6
Publisher
New York : Pantheon Books, c2005.


REVIEWS

Library Journal

Reviewed on October 1, 2005

Physicist and novelist Lightman (Einstein's Dreams ) is popular science's It Guy, whose writing bridges the gap between popular science television coverage and hard science literature that border on being inaccessible to lay readers. His latest labor of love chronicles 25 landmark findings in astronomy, physics, chemistry, and biology in the 20th century. Beginning wit...Log In or Sign Up to Read More

Become a Pro


This feature is only available to Pro subscribers. Please log in, or upgrade your subscription.

Add To My List

cover
by

This feature is only available to Pro subscribers. Please log in, or upgrade your subscription.

Export


This feature is only available to Pro subscribers. Please log in, or upgrade your subscription.

Save List Search Query


This feature is only available to Pro subscribers. Please log in, or upgrade your subscription.

Follow Lists


This feature is only available to Pro subscribers. Please log in, or upgrade your subscription.