Reviews

This accessible and accurate resource describes the most famous scientific concepts, principles, laws, and theories in astronomy, biology, chemistry, geology, mathematics, medicine, meteorology, and physics. The work includes nearly 700 entries that provide overviews of those scientific concepts, principles, laws, and theories that make an impact on every facet of our daily lives. Entries include a short biography of the main discoverers, as well as any information that was of particular relevance in the evolution of the scientific topic. In addition to the A-to-Z entries arranged by the names of the men or women who are best known for their discovery or development or after whom the particular scientific law or theory is named, there is a glossary and four appendixes that include entries by scientific discipline and Nobel prize recipients for chemistry, physics, and physiology/medicine. The encyclopedia also features sidebars and examples of the usefulness of the theories, principles, and laws in everyday life, demonstrating that understanding these concepts have practical use. Each entry also includes resources for further research, while a general bibliography offers particularly useful primary- and secondary-source materials. Krebs has taught chemistry, biology, and other sciences at several schools and universities and has served as a science specialist in the federal government and a research administrator in four universities. BOTTOM LINE This is a useful reference on the topic for both high school and college students, as well as general readers. Krebs's passion for fostering scientific literacy through education makes this a valuable contribution to public and academic libraries. [Available electronically through Greenwood Digital Collection; ISBN 978-0-313-08750-9. $219.95.]--Kathleen A. Welton, Chicago Copyright 2008 Reed Business Information.