Summaries of books about Science & Math:
The Beak of the Finch
A Story of Evolution in Our Time
Jonathan Weiner
The book chronicles the research of biologists Peter and Rosemary Grant, who studied the finches of the Galápagos Islands for decades, providing real-time evidence of evolution. It delves into the details of natural selection, adaptation, and the genetic mechanisms that drive evolutionary change in these birds.
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TIHKAL
The Continuation
Alexander Shulgin|Ann Shulgin
The book is divided into two parts: the first section is a blend of personal narratives and essays exploring the nature of subjective experience, consciousness, and the use of psychedelic substances. The second part provides detailed chemistry, synthesis instructions, and personal bioassays of over 50 psychoactive compounds, primarily tryptamines, serving as a resource for researchers and enthusiasts in psychopharmacology.
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A (Very) Short History of Life on Earth
4.6 Billion Years in 12 Pithy Chapters
Henry Gee
The book offers a concise overview of the Earth's vast history, from the formation of the planet to the emergence of human civilization, distilled into twelve accessible chapters. It explores major evolutionary events, the development of complex life, and the interplay between geology and biology over billions of years.
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How I Killed Pluto and Why It Had It Coming
Mike Brown
The book chronicles the author's discovery of Eris, a celestial body that led to the reclassification of Pluto as a dwarf planet, effectively demoting it from its status as the ninth planet in our solar system. It also delves into the impact of this discovery on the field of astronomy and the public's attachment to Pluto.
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Now
The Physics of Time
Richard A. Muller
The book explores the concept of time from a physics perspective, discussing its flow, its relation to the expansion of the universe, and the nature of past, present, and future. It delves into the physics of entropy, time travel, and the implications of Einstein's theory of relativity on our understanding of time.
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The Secret World of Weather
How to Read Signs in Every Cloud, Breeze, Hill, Street, Plant, Animal, and Dewdrop
Tristan Gooley
The book serves as a guide to understanding and interpreting the subtle clues in the environment that can reveal details about the weather. It teaches readers to observe patterns in nature, from cloud formations to plant behavior, to predict weather changes and gain insight into the surrounding climate.
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Half-Earth
Our Planet's Fight for Life
Edward O. Wilson
The book proposes a radical plan to save Earth's biodiversity by dedicating half of the planet's surface to nature. It discusses the current state of species extinction, the importance of biodiversity, and the need for a large-scale conservation effort to prevent ecological collapse.
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Basic Physics
A Self-Teaching Guide
Karl F. Kuhn|Frank Noschese
The book provides an accessible introduction to the fundamental concepts of physics, using a self-paced, self-teaching approach that includes practical examples and exercises. It covers topics such as motion, energy, heat, sound, electricity, magnetism, light, atomic and nuclear physics, relativity, and astrophysics.
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The Tao of Physics
An Exploration of the Parallels between Modern Physics and Eastern Mysticism
Fritjof Capra
The book explores the similarities between the concepts in quantum physics and the principles found in Eastern spiritual traditions, such as Hinduism, Buddhism, and Taoism. It delves into how both realms address the nature of reality, interconnectedness, and consciousness, suggesting a profound harmony between the scientific and mystical worldviews.
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The Last Days of the Dinosaurs
An Asteroid, Extinction, and the Beginning of Our World
Riley Black
The book explores the catastrophic aftermath of the asteroid impact that led to the extinction of the dinosaurs, detailing the immediate and long-term ecological changes. It also examines the rise of mammals and the early stages of the world that would eventually be inherited by humans.
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