Oxford Dictionary of Scientific Quotations (Oxford Quick Reference) - Softcover

Softcover

ISBN 10: 0198614438 ISBN 13: 9780198614432

Publisher: Oxford University Press, 2006

Synopsis

The original words announcing great scientific discoveries, from the first 'Eureka!' to the cloning of Dolly the sheep, can all be found in this fascinating addition to the world-famous Oxford Quotations series. An essential reference tool, put together over fifteen years with the assistance of a distinguished team of specialist advisers, it includes full author descriptions, exact sources, and a word-finding index for easy reference. Scholarly but accessible, it also presents the human face of science, as scientists reflect on achievements and failures in their own lives and those of others. For example, you've probably already hear Darwin's own thoughts on natural selection, but how about his assessment of the pros and cons of marriage?
From Archimedes to Einstein and beyond, the Oxford Dictionary of Scientific Quotations charts the progress of the great ideas of science. It is an engaging and surprising read for all lovers of science, history, or wit.

About this title

About the Author:

W. F. Bynum is Professor Emeritus of at the Wellcome Centre for the History of Medicine at University College London. He has edited many books reference books on medicine and science, and is the author of Science and the Practice of Medicine in the Nineteenth Century. He is a Fellow of the Royal College of Physicians of London and of Edinburgh.

Roy Porter was until his retirement Professor of the Social History of Medicine at the Wellcome Centre. His books include English Society in the Eighteenth Century and Madness: A Brief History. He died in March 2002.

From Booklist:

Just as a photo may capture the essence of a person, a few words by ancient and modern scientists can capture their humor, insight, and erudition. For instance, here is a quote by Richard Feynman: "For those who want some proof that physicists are human, the proof is in the idiocy of all the different units which they use for measuring energy."

The quotations collected here are not only by scientists but by writers, politicians, and others with something to say about science. Arrangement is alphabetical by the author's last name and chronological within the author entries. Each entry includes the name of the person being quoted, his or her dates, a very brief biographical statement, and several quotes, with their sources. Although most quotes are attributed to the person, there are also a few quotes about a person. A keyword index cites an abbreviated form of the author's name and page and quote numbers (for example, DARW 156-6).

The editors have done a fine job compiling the quotations. There is little overlap with more general compendiums, such as the Oxford Dictionary of Quotations (6th ed., 2005); while that volume includes just 1 quote from nineteenth-century Scottish physicist James Clerk Maxwell, the Oxford Dictionary of Scientific Quotations offers more than 30. Oxford has another hit, one that will join the ranks of other successful quotation books. Recommended for public and academic libraries. Jack O'Gorman
Copyright © American Library Association. All rights reserved

About this edition

• Publisher: Oxford University Press
• Publication date: 2006
• ISBN 10: 0198614438
• ISBN 13: 9780198614432
• Binding: Paperback
• Number of pages: 736
• Editor: Bynum W. F., Porter Roy