Science Matters : The Principles of Science Simply Explained

Short essays for non-scientists which explain contemporary topics, such as genetic engineering, the Big Bang theory, DNA, lasers, quarks, enzymes, acid rain, black holes, plate tectonics, the greenhouse effect and Newton's laws of motion.

The idea of "cultural literacy" has received a great deal of public notice. Among the most important aspects of modern civilization is the impact of science and technology on our lives, yet most people are highly uneducated in this area. Nevertheless, it is essential that the average citizen be able to understand the debates over such things as recycling, use of nuclear energy, and the teaching of evolution. This book attempts to acquaint the educated (or mis-educated) layperson with the major concepts of modern science, that is, to start him or her on the road to "scientific literacy." Although many concepts are, perforce, oversimplified, offering the reader only a superficial understanding of some of them, this book is a step in the right direction and is recommended for appropriate collections.
- Harold D. Shane, Baruch Coll.,
Copyright 1991 Reed Business Information, Inc.