Although produced in controversy, this book is not a controversial work. The calming effects of the years that have passed since the tumultuous days in Lubeck are enough to guarantee that these pages will accurately trace the coming and going of opinions, the battle for the truth and the recognition of error. In only a few passages, especially in Part Six, will one be able to tell from the tone of the book that it comes out of this struggle. For these I ask the indulgence of my reader, since they contain explanations the extent of which probably does not correspond either to the difficulty of the questions treated or to their influence. But in such passages the extent of treatment could not - as was otherwise the case - be made to depend solely on a judgment as to the value and significance of the investigations presented. There considerations of defense, more than concern for symmetry, had to determine the structure.

Containing 609 encyclopedic articles written by more than 200 prominent scholars, The Oxford Companion to the History of Modern Science presents an unparalleled history of the field invaluable to anyone with an interest in the technology, ideas, discoveries, and learned institutions that have shaped our world over the past five centuries. Focusing on the period from the Renaissance to the early twenty-first century, the articles cover all disciplines (Biology, Alchemy, Behaviorism), historical periods (the Scientific Revolution, World War II, the Cold War), concepts (Hypothesis, Space and Time, Ether), and methodologies and philosophies (Observation and Experiment, Darwinism). Coverage is international, tracing the spread of science from its traditional centers and explaining how the prevailing knowledge of non-Western societies has modified or contributed to the dominant global science as it is currently understood. Revealing the interplay between science and the wider culture, the Companion includes entries on topics such as minority groups, art, religion, and science's practical applications. One hundred biographies of the most iconic historic figures, chosen for their contributions to science and the interest of their lives, are also included. Above all The Oxford Companion to the History of Modern Science is a companion to world history: modern in coverage, generous in breadth, and cosmopolitan in scope. The volume's utility is enhanced by a thematic outline of the entire contents, a thorough system of cross-referencing, and a detailed index that enables the reader to follow a specific line of inquiry along various threads from multiple starting points. Each essay has numerous suggestions for further reading, all of which favor literature that is accessible to the general reader, and a bibliographical essay provides a general overview of the scholarship in the field. Lastly, as a contribution to the visual appeal of the Companion, over 100 black-and-white illustrations and an eight-page color section capture the eye and spark the imagination.

An examination of the sources Helmholtz drew upon for his formulation of the conservation of energy and the impact of his work on nineteenth-century physics. In 1847, Herman Helmholtz, arguably the most important German physicist of the nineteenth century, published his formulation of what became known as the conservation of energy--unarguably the most important single development in physics of that century, transforming what had been a conglomeration of separate topics into a coherent field unified by the concept of energy. In Helmholtz and the Conservation of Energy, Kenneth Caneva offers a detailed account of Helmholtz's work on the subject, the sources that he drew upon, the varying responses to his work from scientists of the era, and the impact on physics as a discipline. Caneva describes the set of abiding concerns that prompted Helmholtz's work, including his rejection of the idea of a work-performing vital force, and investigates Helmholtz's relationship to both an older generation of physicists and an emerging community of reformist physiologists. He analyzes Helmholtz's indebtedness to Johannes Müller and Justus Liebig and discusses Helmholtz's tense and ambivalent relationship to the work of Robert Mayer, who had earlier proposed the uncreatability, indestructibility, and transformability of "force." Caneva examines Helmholtz's continued engagement with the subject, his role in the acceptance of the conservation of energy as the central principle of physics, and the eventual incorporation of the principle in textbooks as established science.

This update to the award-winning The Origins of Modern Humans: A World Survey of the Fossil Evidence covers the most accepted common theories concerning the emergence of modern Homo sapiens adding fresh insight from top young scholars on the key new discoveries of the past 25 years. The Origins of Modern Humans: Biology Reconsidered allows field leaders to discuss and assess the assemblage of hominid fossil material in each region of the world during the Pleistocene epoch. It features new fossil and molecular evidence, such as the evolutionary inferences drawn from assessments of modern humans and large segments of the Neandertal genome. It also addresses the impact of digital imagery and the more sophisticated morphometrics that have entered the analytical fray since 1984. Beginning with a thoughtful introduction by the authors on modern human origins, the book offers such insightful chapter contributions as: Africa: The Cradle of Modern People Crossroads of the Old World: Late Hominin Evolution in Western Asia A River Runs through It: Modern Human Origins in East Asia Perspectives on the Origins of Modern Australians Modern Human Origins in Central Europe The Makers of the Early Upper Paleolithic in Western Eurasia Neandertal Craniofacial Growth and Development and Its Relevance for Modern Human Origins Energetics and the Origin of Modern Humans Understanding Human Cranial Variation in Light of Modern Human Origins The Relevance of Archaic Genomes to Modern Human Origins The Process of Modern Human Origins: The Evolutionary and Demographic Changes Giving Rise to Modern Humans The Paleobiology of Modern Human Emergence Elegant and thought provoking, The Origins of Modern Humans: Biology Reconsidered is an ideal read for students, grad students, and professionals in human evolution and paleoanthropology.

Recent developments in physical geography have demonstrated the need for and advantages of an approach to physical environment based on energy and power as the rate of doing work. This energetic approach has been used in meteorology and climatology, in biogeography, soil geography, geomorphology and hydrology. The book contains six essays which demonstrate the importance of energetics in these major branches of physical geography and how it has gained prominence in the last few years. Because the approach is a feature of all branches of physical geography, energetics provides a unifying theme for the study of the physical environment. Although this book is not a proceedings volume, much of the material was presented at the British Association for the Advancement of Science meeting in Bristol in September 1986.

Also available online as part of the Gale Virtual Reference Library under the title Complete dictionary of scientific biography.

Energy Storage Systems: Origins, Technologies, Materials, and Industry Applications is a comprehensive guide to one of the most crucial and rapidly evolving fields in modern technology. This book offers an in-depth exploration of energy storage systems, tracing their historical development, examining current technologies, and exploring future advancements. In this book, you will discover: Origins and Evolution: Understand the historical milestones and foundational concepts that have shaped the development of energy storage systems from early innovations to contemporary breakthroughs. Technologies and Systems: Dive into the various types of energy storage technologies, including mechanical, chemical, electrical, and thermal systems. Learn about their unique mechanisms, advantages, and limitations. Materials and Chemicals: Explore the essential materials and chemicals used in energy storage systems, including insights into their properties, performance, and role in different storage technologies. Industry Applications: Gain practical knowledge of how energy storage systems are applied across various industries, from renewable energy integration and grid stabilization to transportation and industrial processes. Future Trends and Innovations: Stay ahead of the curve with an examination of emerging technologies and future directions in energy storage, including advanced materials, next-generation batteries, and the role of artificial intelligence. Case Studies and Real-World Examples: Benefit from detailed case studies and application scenarios that illustrate how energy storage systems are implemented in practice, showcasing their impact and potential. Technical Specifications and Resources: Access valuable technical data and additional resources through detailed appendices, including a glossary of terms, key industry players, and further reading. This book is designed for a diverse audience, including industry professionals, researchers, students, and anyone interested in the transformative potential of energy storage. Whether you are seeking a thorough understanding of current technologies or exploring future possibilities, Energy Storage Systems: Origins, Technologies, Materials, and Industry Applications provides the essential insights needed to navigate this dynamic field. Embark on a journey through the science and application of energy storage systems and discover how they are reshaping our approach to energy management and sustainability.