If not for memory, learning would be impossible. Thus, understanding how memory occurs is a valid endeavor. Squire does a great job of differentiatingIf not for memory, learning would be impossible. Thus, understanding how memory occurs is a valid endeavor. Squire does a great job of differentiating short time from long term memory, and introducing the experiments and findings leading to our present understanding. Admittedly, this is not a book for the casual reader, nor is it about the best memory techniques. Rather, its focus on how the brain stores information at the level of neuronal synapses. ...more
Great story. We seldom know the background. We see the wonders, applaud the achievements, but we don't hear much about the politics (who will run the Great story. We seldom know the background. We see the wonders, applaud the achievements, but we don't hear much about the politics (who will run the projects), funding (who pays), or the vision (what capabilities). It takes engineering, it takes science, it takes public support. Yet, despite pulling it all together - something goes wrong....more
This is more a book on the history of the Carnot cycle and other early engines than it is about energy. I found it interesting, but I would also say iThis is more a book on the history of the Carnot cycle and other early engines than it is about energy. I found it interesting, but I would also say it assumes the reader has a basic understanding of engines. ...more
This is a book that started out slow for me, slow in the sense of being interesting, but mostly because I'm too familiar with the subject matter. It eThis is a book that started out slow for me, slow in the sense of being interesting, but mostly because I'm too familiar with the subject matter. It ended well, though, especially with the 3rd to the last chapter dealing with the mathematical underpinnings of physics, physical reality. ...more
The unfolding of physics during this period of history makes this book a great read. On the other hand, at times it often seems more of an Einstein baThe unfolding of physics during this period of history makes this book a great read. On the other hand, at times it often seems more of an Einstein bashing as there is hardly a mistake that goes undramatized. In my view I would have preferred that the focus stay on the development of science and leave all the biographic commentary out, especially since there was quite enough negativity. Still, I found myself quite absorbed in the development of Einstein's contributions to physics, both the advances and missteps, reminding us of the norm - two steps forward only comes at the expense of one step back. ...more
I've been interested in reading medicinally related topics, albeit in this instance it is quite the opposite. This book is meant to scare off would beI've been interested in reading medicinally related topics, albeit in this instance it is quite the opposite. This book is meant to scare off would be smokers, and it does a good job of it....more
I might have preferred some equations, but this book does a good job of getting us to imagine what the forces really are. What is the basis for mass, I might have preferred some equations, but this book does a good job of getting us to imagine what the forces really are. What is the basis for mass, charge, light, gravity, etc.? There really are fundamental properties and a basis for understanding nature. Now, add symmetry and beauty, and Frank makes a good case that an Artist must be behind it all....more
Wilczek opens the book with two questions. Does the world embody beautiful ideas? Of course, the answer must be yes, and especially for those who undeWilczek opens the book with two questions. Does the world embody beautiful ideas? Of course, the answer must be yes, and especially for those who understand equations involving symmetry. The second question follows: Is the world a work of art? This is when any God-fearing man sobers. Wow! As Proverb 33 declares, the inhabitants of the earth will stand in awe....more
After listening to Wilczek's interview with Brian Green, I immediately bought his three books related to the topic. This was the first. I liked it verAfter listening to Wilczek's interview with Brian Green, I immediately bought his three books related to the topic. This was the first. I liked it very much, but found it a little deep for nonscientists. I'm starting his "A Beautiful Question" today, and look forward to Fundamentals....more
I'll say this, I gave it my best shot. Granted, one learns by doing, and unless one can solve math problems you better not think you understand math. I'll say this, I gave it my best shot. Granted, one learns by doing, and unless one can solve math problems you better not think you understand math. I did all the problems up to page 168, at which point I realized I won't finish before I'm dead. However, to Kline's great credit, his book can be read without solving the problems because he writes about math generally, its history, utility, applications, etc. This I appreciated very much. ...more
I like reading general science. I'm familiar with the final theory of everything. With this book, though, I didn't make many notations, underlines, etI like reading general science. I'm familiar with the final theory of everything. With this book, though, I didn't make many notations, underlines, etc. I don't know why not. Maybe because it's mostly speculation? I will say that I enjoyed it. The most interesting aspect was gathering Weinberg's views on where science is (or rather was in 1992), and his take on the failed Super Collider. I even liked his rebuttal against what I understood to be postmodern thought. Where his writing collapsed for me was when he took up the subject of God. It strikes me as odd that he feels qualified to say something, as if he knows. He surely knows about the final theory. Yet, coincidentally, as I was reading his book I was also listening to an audio book by C.S. Lewis titled Mere Christianity. What a contrast between Weinberg's musings and Lewis' substantive, fortified, and educated views. Nonetheless, I'll keep reading popular books. But, I maintain a let-the-reader-beware when it comes to authors sharing their thoughts in areas outside their expertise....more
Science has its history and this book reports it at its best. What a pleasure to encounter a book that keeps the pages turning and pulls no punches. OScience has its history and this book reports it at its best. What a pleasure to encounter a book that keeps the pages turning and pulls no punches. One guy thinks he's right, the other wrong. Arguments follow, that is, long winded efforts to win for fear of perishing with nothing to show for oneself. Yet, both points of view are needed to push each other to the brink of crisis, demanding confirmation, and ultimately figuring it out, but not without the intervening struggle between two opposing theories. A great story! ...more
Although I wouldn't go so far as to subscribe to his accusations regarding motives, I do think Lewontin does a fantastic job of characterizing the natAlthough I wouldn't go so far as to subscribe to his accusations regarding motives, I do think Lewontin does a fantastic job of characterizing the naturalistic worldview occupying academic institutions. He does a great job of debunking Dawkin's gene ideology and related nonsense that suggests morality is encoded within our genes. He shows the weakness of reductionism and determinism and provides insight by balancing arguments for nature versus nurture, additionally offering useful distinctions between agent and cause. It's an older book, so I certainly suspect some of his admonitions against the Human Genome project haven't borne out. Still, his readiness and ableness to raise questions merit reading. Is science above criticism? Or, is this not the type of criticism that makes for a healthy establishment?...more
Loading...
