New York Scientific: A Culture of Inquiry, Knowledge, and Learning - Hardcover

Hargittai, Istvan; Hargittai, Magdolna

Hardcover

ISBN 10: 0198769873 ISBN 13: 9780198769873

Publisher: Oxford University Press, 2017

Synopsis

This book introduces the reader to the visible memorabilia of science and scientists in all the five boroughs of New York City - statues, busts, plaques, buildings, and other artifacts. In addition, it extends to some scientists and institutions currently operating in the city. New York has been known as a world center of commerce, finance, communications, transportation, and culture, but it also is a world center in science. The city is home to renowned universities and research laboratories, a museum of natural history and other museums related to science, a science academy, historical societies, botanical gardens and zoos, libraries, and a Hall of Science as well as a large number of world-renowned scientists. The book pays special attention to the role of this city in welcoming persecuted scientists and letting African-American and women scientists thrive. The book is presented in an informative and entertaining way, dotted with scientific gossip and anecdotes, and can be enjoyed even without the reader's actual presence in the city. Over eight hundred photographs illustrate the book. They may induce the reader to make their own discoveries in New York.

About this title

About the Author

Istvan Hargittai, Professor Emeritus, Budapest University of Technology and Economics, Hungary,Magdolna Hargittai, Research Professor, Budapest University of Technology and Economics, Hungary

Istvan Hargittai is Professor Emeritus (active) at the Budapest University of Technology and Economics. He is a member of the Hungarian Academy of Sciences and the Academia Europaea (London) and foreign member of the Norwegian Academy of Science and Letters. He is Dr.h.c. of Moscow State University, the University of North Carolina, and the Russian Academy of Sciences. He is the Editor-in-Chief of the international journal Structural Chemistry. His books have appeared in eight languages and include, among others, Wisdom of the Martians, Budapest Scientific, Buried Glory, Drive and Curiosity, Judging Edward Teller, The Martians of Science, The Road to Stockholm, and the Candid Science book series.

Magdolna Hargittai is Research Professor at the Budapest University of Technology and Economics. She is a member of the Hungarian Academy of Sciences and the Academia Europaea (London). She is Dr.h.c. of the University of North Carolina. Her books include, among others, Women Scientists, Symmetry through the Eyes of a Chemist, In Our Own Image, Visual Symmetry, Great Minds, and the Candid Science book series. The Hargittais live in Budapest. Their son is Professor of Chemistry in the United States and their daughter is Professor of Media Studies in Switzerland.

Review

"A fascinating, unique introduction to New York City for natives and visitors alike... The authors' anecdotes and descriptions provide readers with an amazing journey through New York City. The bibliography and the two thorough indexes enhance the work; these serve as excellent resources for those who wish to conduct further research about New York City and science... Recommended." -- CHOICE

"New York may blaze with neon, but many of the city's byways shine with scientific brilliance -- if you know where to look. Chemists Istvan Hargittai and Magdolna Hargittai map the territory for this quirkily comprehensive guide to key landmarks and institutions." -- Nature

"You, as I, will want to join Istvan and Magdolna Hargittai as they turn their observant and culturally open eyes on the streets of New York. Their research is unmatched - there is even a photograph of the old Stuyvesant H.S. building where I spent many hours. And a bust of Booker T. Washington paired with him on a postage stamp. Even a rare glimpse of the owl secreted in the folds of Columbia's Alma Mater! You will enjoy every richly illustrated page of a wonderful guide to the scientific byways of a great city." --Roald Hoffmann, chemist and writer

About this edition

• Publisher: Oxford University Press
• Publication date: 2017
• ISBN 10: 0198769873
• ISBN 13: 9780198769873
• Binding: Hardcover
• Number of pages: 328