Available for the first time in paperback, The Quantum Theory ofFields is a self-contained, comprehensive, and up-to-dateintroduction to quantum field theory from Nobel Laureate StevenWeinberg. The first volume introduces the foundations of quantumfield theory, the second volume examines modern applications, andfinally, the third volume presents supersymmetry, an area oftheoretical physics likely to be at the center of progress in thephysics of elementary particles and gravitation. The development isfresh and logical throughout, with each step carefully motivated bywhat has preceded. The presentation of modern mathematical methodsis interwoven with accounts of applications in both elementaryparticle and condensed matter physics. The three volumes containmuch original material, and are enhanced with examples and insightsdrawn from the author's experience as a leader of elementaryparticle research. Hb ISBN (1995) Vol.1 0-521-55001-7 Hb ISBN(1996) Vol.2 0-521-55002-5 Hb ISBN (1996) Vols. 1 and 2 Set0-521-58555-
Controversial in nature, this book demonstrates that the UnitedStates did not need to use the atomic bomb against Japan.Alperovitz criticizes one of the most hotly debated precursoryevents to the Cold War, an event that was largely responsible forthe evolution of post-World War II American politics andculture.
In celebration of summer, Assouline evokes the beauty of thegarden in a remarkable gift-volume. Including more than threecenturies of drawings culled from the rare books library of theCooper-Hewitt National Design Museum, each page in Botanicalsexplodes with rich colours and lifelike details. Exquisite flowers,delicate fuits, and exuberant butterflies are among the jewels ofnature that come to life in this unique compendium. Featured areworks by leading botanical artists, including Maria Sibylla Merian,a rfevolutionary female entomologist and natural historian of theseventeeth century; E.A. Seguy, whose art nouveau-era work servesas inspiration for many contemporary creative directors anddesigners; and Dr Robert John thornton, a British visionaryrenowned for his inerest in botany. Botanicals is extraordinary, aremarkable objet d'art in the spirit of the season. AUTHOR: LeslieK. Overstreet is the curator of Natural-History Rare Books at theSmithsonian Institution. She has published bibliographical artic
A dazzling journey across the sciences and humanities in searchof deep laws to unite them. -- The Wall Street Journal One of our greatest living scientists--and the winner of twoPulitzer Prizes for On Human Nature and TheAnts --gives us a work of visionary importance that may be thecrowning achievement of his career. In Consilience (a wordthat originally meant "jumping together"), Edward O. Wilson renewsthe Enlightenment's search for a unified theory of knowledge indisciplines that range from physics to biology, the social sciencesand the humanities. Using the natural sciences as his model, Wilson forges dramaticlinks between fields. He explores the chemistry of the mind and thegenetic bases of culture. He postulates the biological principlesunderlying works of art from cave-drawings to Lolita. Presentingthe latest findings in prose of wonderful clarity and oratoricaleloquence, and synthesizing it into a dazzling whole, Consilience is science in the path-clearing traditions ofNewton, Einstein, and R
Research clearly indicates that ethnic groups differsignificantly on levels of mental and physical health, antisocialbehavior, and educational attainment. This book explains thesevariations among ethnic groups with respect to their psychologicaland social functioning and tests competing hypotheses about themechanisms that might cause the functioning to be better, worse, ordifferent in pattern from other groups. Attention is paid toeducational attainments, antisocial behavior, schizophrenia andsuicide, and to the complex and changing patterns of ethnicidentity. The book also focuses on evidence on risk and protectivefactors that is used systematically to ask whether such factorsmight account for the differences in both migration histories andethnic mixture. It concludes with a discussion of the multiplemeanings of ethnicity, the major variations among ethnic groups,and the policy implications of the findings discussed in thebook.
In this fascinating volume, today’s foremost scientistsdiscuss their own versions and visions of Einstein: how he hasinfluenced their worldviews, their ideas, their science, and theirprofessional and personal lives. These twenty-four essays are atestament to the power of scientific legacy and are essentialreading for scientist and layperson alike. Contributors include: Roger Highfield on the Einstein myth John Archibald Wheeler on his meetings with Einstein Gino C. Segrè, Lee Smolin, and Anton Zeilinger on Einstein’sdifficulties with quantum theory Leon M. Lederman on the special theory of relativity Frank J. Tipler on why Einstein should be seen as a scientificreactionary rather than a scientific revolutionary
The discovery of the expanding universe is one of the mostexciting exploits in astronomy. This book explores its history,from the beginnings of modern cosmology with Einstein in 1917,through Lema?tre's discovery of the expanding universe in 1927 andhis suggestion of a Big Bang origin, to Hubble's contribution of1929 and the subsequent years when Hubble and Humason provided theessential observations for further developing modern cosmology, andfinally to Einstein's conversion to the expanding universe in 1931.As a prelude the book traces the evolution of some of the notionsof modern cosmology from the late Middle Ages up to the finalacceptance of the concept of galaxies in 1925. Written innon-technical language, with a mathematical appendix, the book willappeal to scientists, students, and anyone interested in thehistory of astronomy and cosmology.
From Nobel Prize-winning scientist James D. Watson, a livinglegend for his work unlocking the structure of DNA, comes thiscandid and entertaining memoir, filled with practical advice forthose starting out their academic careers. In Avoid Boring People , Watson lays down a life’s wisdom forgetting ahead in a competitive world. Witty and uncompromisinglyhonest, he shares his thoughts on how young scientists shouldchoose the projects that will shape their careers, the supremeimportance of collegiality, and dealing with competitors within thesame institution. It’s an irreverent romp through Watson’s colorfulcareer and an indispensable guide to anyone interested in nurturingthe life of the mind.