Who names newly discovered planets? What exactly are black holes? Where are there the most earthquakes? When did the first Homo sapiens walk the earth? Why is the night sky dark? How does the fluoride in toothpaste prevent cavities? Since 1845, Scientific American has answered questions and provided the best information available in all areas of science. Now, Scientific American is proud to present an accessible, one-volume reference covering all the sciences. Whether you want to examine the tiniest microbes, the properties of the earth's core, or the farthest reaches of space, this handy desk reference is the resource to turn to for the answers you need. * Over 500 biographies of key science figures * Thousands of glossary terms * Hundreds of useful Web sites * Tables, charts, diagrams, and illustrations * Sidebars featuring fascinating facts, mnemonic aids, and quizzes * Essays exploring ideas in-depth This authoritative and affordable single-volume science desk reference covers a range of topics, including measurement, mathematics, chemistry, physics, astronomy, earth science, environment and ecology, biology, the animal kingdom, the plant kingdom, the human body, health and disease, computer science, technology, and inventions, discoveries, and prizes. Each chapter presents an overview of the subject, facts displayed as tables and diagrams, subject glossaries, a chronology, achievements of notable scientists, related web sites, and bibliographies for further reading. Given its readability, the great illustrations, and Scientific American's reputation, this reference is highly recommended for both academic and public libraries. -Paul G. Haschak, Southeastern Louisiana Univ., Hammond Copyright 2000 Reed Business Information, Inc. Scientific American magazine has long set the standard for popular science writing in the U.S. by publishing articles that explain science to nonspecialists in a thorough yet understandable manner. This new book builds on the expertise of the magazine and provides the reader with a single-volume overview of the entire range of science and technology. The work is divided into 16 sections representing different fields of science, from mathematics and physics to the environment, biology, and the health sciences. Each section contains brief essays covering the key concepts and research in the field, along with various tables and statistical data. Every section also provides the reader with a glossary, very brief biographies of important scientists, a chronology of events (generally current to mid-1998), links to relevant Web sites, and a bibliography of classic books. Black-and-white illustrations enhance the text, and a comprehensive index helps the reader locate a specific topic of interest anywhere in the work. There is a great deal of good information in this single volume, allowing it to serve as a scientific encyclopedia, dictionary, chronology, and biography all in one. With its low price and authoritative provenance, it should become a standard science ready-reference tool for libraries serving high-school students, college students, and adults, especially if it is updated. Scientific American Science Desk Reference The ultimate in reference from the authority on science and technology For over 150 years, Scientific American has been explaining science to the public, developing a reputation for conveying complex scientific information in a way that inquisitive nonscientists can understand. Now Scientific American presents this one-volume, easy-to-use reference to the exciting and ever-changing world of science and technology. In sixteen sections, Scientific American Science Desk Reference covers everything from the age of the earth to the dimensions of space, from evolutionary theory and the study of fossils to the latest in genetic research. Each scientific field is explored through an overview of key topics, a chronology of discoveries, and a list of further reading. Over 500 biographies of key science figures give an idea of the vast human effort scientific endeavor requires. Thousands of glossary terms and hundreds of useful Web sites are listed. Also included are hundreds of visual elements, including tables, charts, diagrams, and illustrations. And hundreds of sidebars feature fascinating facts, mnemonic aids, and quizzes to help you grasp the concepts discussed. Along with a careful exploration of the basics of science, the book also includes essays from knowledgeable contributors that provide engaging commentary on various fields. For instance, Tony Jones discusses the paradigm-shaking discoveries of planets in our solar system, Edward Young contemplates differing theories on how the dinosaurs became extinct, and Chris Stringer explores competing theories of evolution. Whether you?re a student, or simply an enthusiast, Scientific American Science Desk Reference has all the compelling facts you need to explore the world around you. Who names newly discovered plan