I saw this 2006 book for sale in Dymocks in the Melbourne CBD in July 2018 and thought it good enough to snap up immediately. The blub reads:
In this captivating and lucid book, novelist and science writer Alan Lightman chronicles twenty-four great discoveries of twentieth-century science–everything from the theory of relativity to mapping the structure of DNA.These discoveries radically changed our notions of the world and our place in it. Here are Einstein, Fleming, Bohr, McClintock, Pauling, Watson and Crick, Heisenberg and many others. With remarkable insight, Lightman charts the intellectual and emotional landscape of the time, portrays the human drama of discovery, and explains the significance and impact of the work. Finally he includes a fascinating and unique guided tour through the original papers in which the discoveries were revealed. Here is science writing at its best–beautiful, lyrical and completely accessible. It brings the process of discovery to life before our very eyes.
I have read lots of science biographies so many of the ideas and scientists were familiar, but it was wonderful to also have their original papers as well, even if the longer ones were reduced in size.
Ranging over ground breaking discoveries in particle physics, quantum physics, astonomy, physiology, medicine and genetics, the book makes one realise just how astounding the 20th century was in terms of scientific endeavour and discovery. While the early part of the century's discoveries were European/German centric, the second half of the century has been dominated by American scientists and USA based discoveries.
So many of the papers and concepts are mind boggling and far beyond the understanding of mere mortals like me. But I recommend this book to all - regardless of how much you don't understand, there will be much that you do understand. But be warned - it is not an easy read.
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