A Dictionary of ScienceJohn Daintith, Elizabeth A. Martin Hailed as "handy and readable" (Nature) and "well worth browsing" (New Scientist), this best-selling dictionary contains 9,200 alphabetically organized entries on all aspects of chemistry, physics, biology (including human biology), earth sciences, and astronomy. In addition to a wealth of reliable, up-to-date entries, users will find useful short biographies of leading scientists, full-page illustrated features on subjects such as the Solar System and Genetically Modified Organisms, and chronologies of specific scientific subjects including plastics, electronics, and cell biology. This new edition includes expanded coverage of global warming, forensic science, astrophysics, quantum theory, and the solar system. Supported by over 200 diagrams and illustrations, the Dictionary of Science also contains recommended web links for many entries, accessed and kept up to date via the companion website. Finally, it has appendices on SI units, fundamental constants, geological time scale, a simplified classification of the plant and animal kingdoms, and the periodic table. Both concise and wide-ranging, this volume is an ideal reference work for students or for a home library. |
Contents
A Dictionary of Science | 1 |
Atomic Theory Chronology | 63 |
The BigBang Theory Feature | 86 |
Biochemistry Chronology | 90 |
Cell Biology Chronology | 144 |
Cosmology Chronology | 200 |
Crystal Defects Feature | 210 |
Electronics Chronology | 275 |
Microscopy Chronology | 528 |
Moon Exploration Chronology | 541 |
Magnetic Resonance Imaging Feature | 569 |
Plastics Chronology | 638 |
Polymers Feature | 648 |
Refrigeration Feature | 702 |
Solar System Feature | 766 |
Optical Astronomical Telescopes Feature | 809 |
El Niño Feature | 284 |
Genetically Modified Organisms Feature | 352 |
Learning in Animals Feature | 470 |
Vitamins Chronology | 863 |
Appendices | 891 |
Common terms and phrases
acid activity animals atoms base blood body bond called carbon cause cells charge chemical chloride colour Compare complex components compound consists constant containing crystal cycle Describing device direction discovered earth effect electric electrons elements energy enzyme equal equation example field first force function gene give given glucose growth heat human hydrogen important increase interaction involves ions known layer light liquid magnetic mass material means measured mechanics membrane metal method mineral molecules moving named natural nuclear nucleus occurs ofthe orbit organic original oxide oxygen pair particles pass period physics plants positive pressure produced protein quantum mechanics radiation reaction reduced relative result ring salts similar solid solution species structure substance surface Symbol temperature theory tion tissue tube unit universe usually wave