300 Social Sciences, Anthropology
Silver, Brian L. The Ascent of Science. (Illus.) NY: Oxford University Press, 1998. xviii+534pp. $35.00. 97-15430. ISBN 0-19-511699-2. Index; C.I.P.
YA, C, GA +
Author Brian Silver contends that the ordinary person is in need of nontechnical explanations of science and its achievements. Therefore, the purpose of this work is to provide the curious average person with a readable examination of science and scientific accomplishments. Silver provides a basic discussion, using simple terminology, of the major scientific breakthroughs from the theories of the ancient Greeks to the gene-splicing work of today. He concentrates, however, on the major events from Isaac Newton to the present. In doing so, he covers nearly all the fields of science. In The Ascent of Science, Silver has surpassed his purpose. The book is very readable and is interspersed with interesting historical anecdotes and quotes from literature. He approaches the major events of science by placing them in the social context of their times. In his very personable and informal style, Silver breaks down the most difficult of concepts and relates them to the reader in easily understood terms. In fact, the reader begins to feel a personal contact with the author, as if he is explaining his ideas as you sit with him in his home. This book will greatly appeal to those seeking jargon-free information, from the scientifically curious general reader to the confused student.—James Riley Chrisman, Black Hills State University, Spearfish, SD
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