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SCIENCE and TECHNOLOGY BOOKS -1- |
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Science in History - J.D. Bernal
The Scientific and Industrial Revolutions. Large paperback, with pictorial covers in excellent condition. Numerous period illustrations throughout. Published by Pelican Books (1969).694pp + xxv. NZD: 7.50 / P & P: B Volume 2 : The Scientific and Industrial Revolutions J. D. Bernal's monumental work Science in History is the first full-scale attempt to analyse the relationship between science and society throughout history, from the perfection of the first flint hand-axe to the construction of the hydrogen bomb. This remarkable study illustrates the impetus given to and the limitations placed upon discovery and invention by pastoral, agricultural, feudal, capitalist, and socialist systems, and conversely the ways in which science has altered economic, social, and political beliefs and practices. This second volume focuses on the period of development and the establishment of modern science. It begins with work of the Renaissance and continues with a discussion of the stimulus given to scientific development by emerging seventeenth-century capitalism. A final section takes up the industrial revolution and the manner in which science and technology transformed the whole nature of human society. A very serious and fascinating reference book for both budding historians or scientists out there... 
The World of the Unexplained
Enigmas of the Mind, Space and Time Paperback in excellent, near new condition. Numerous B & W photos. Published by The Book Co. (1997). 511pp. NZD: 5.50 / P & P: B People who can deliver a powerful electric shock with their touch, portraits that appeared mysteriously on the floor of a Spanish kitchen, and the 'paranormal' feats of Madame Blavatsky are just some of the weird and remarkable mysteries explored in The World of the Unexplained. Each case is probed in an attempt to discover the truth behind the evidence and to allow you to make up your own mind. Whether you are convinced or a sceptic this book promises to offer a unique insight into our extraordinary world. 
Virtual Addiction - David N. Greenfield
Help for Netheads, Cyber Freaks and Those Who Love Them Paperback in very good condition. Ex-library book with laminated cover and the usual stamps here and there... New Harbinger (1999). 229pp. NZD: 5.00 / P & P: A From the Introduction: "When I first approached the idea for this book, it was based in part, on my personal experience with the power of the Internet. When I was first introduced to the Internet I became almost instantly entranced by the online world. I noticed that I was spending far more time online than I had planned to each time I went online (and still do)..." An expert on internet addiction identifies the twelve warning signs for cyber-space compulsion and counsels both addicts and their loved ones on how to break the Internet's hypnotic hold. This book is for those net browsers who spend hours and hours on the Web, in chat rooms, playing games, and viewing endless hours of streaming video footage. For some, their compulsive behaviour in cyberspace escalates to cause them problems at work or school or leads them to neglect their real relationships. The book explains the nature of Internet addiction, with special attention to new forms of relationships that have appeared on the net. It lists the twelve warning signs of Internet abuse and suggests a variety of concrete steps that addicts can take to change their relationship with their computers. 
Rape of The Wild - A. Collard with J. Contrucci
Man Violence Against Animals and the Earth Paperback in very good condition. Published by The Women's Press (1988). 188pp. NZD: 6.00 / P & P: B Andree Collard's Rape of the Wild is one of the classic affinity eco-feminist texts. For Collard `the identity and destiny of woman and nature are merged'. Patriarchy is the enemy of the natural world while woman is to be its rescuer through her biological links to the natural world: Nothing links the human animal and nature so profoundly as woman's reproductive system which enables her to share the experience of bringing forth and nourishing life with the rest of the living world. Collard recognizes that not all women are mothers, or want to be, but argues that each woman is united in a common mother-identity 'whether or not she personally experiences biological mothering' as 'it is in this that woman is most truly a child of nature and in this natural integrity lies the wellspring of her strength'. Patriarchy on the other hand is also biological, it is a `disease' that reveals itself in the treatment of women and animals. As with much eco-feminist analysis Collard sees the fundamental problem in the separatist mentality and dominating dualism of patriarchy. It sets itself apart from nature (and women) in a way that allows for the development of cruel and oppressive behaviour towards both. This breakdown in the relationship between humanity (as patriarchy) and nature, Collard sees as the cause of all 'divisive `isms'--sexism, racism, classism, ageism, militarism etc.' Although not all eco-feminists would accept Collard's assertion that women and nature are biologically linked, the critique of hierarchical dualism, particularly in western culture and structures of power, is generally seen as being the source of our ecological woes... 
Inventing the American Dream - Stephen van Dulken
A History of Curious, Extraordinary, and Just Plain Useful Patents. A former library book which was protected by a sturdy vinyl cover, accordingly, it bears the usual stamps here and there but both book and d/j are in excellent, near NEW condition. Hardback published by the British Library (2004). 245pp. NZD: 8.50 / P & P: B Every American knows that Thomas Alva Edison's most famous invention was the light bulb, but who invented the pregnancy test? How was the airbag invented? How was the first computer patented? Stephen van Dulken examines here the way inventions and patents such as these have helped to create the "American Dream". Between 1911 and 1999, the number of registered U.S. patents rose from 1 million to 6 million. Showcasing dozens of those original patent drawings from the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office, American Inventions shows how trends in the history of the United States are reflected in the patent records. For example, the invention of the Frisbee dates back to 1920 when a Yale University student recalled throwing around the pie tins of the nearby Frisbie Baking Company, but it was not until 1948 that Fred Morrison and Warren Francioni capitalized on Americans' new-found fascination with flying saucers by applying for a patent on a plastic flying disk. Van Dulken surveys the inventions and patents of the workplace, the home, the kitchen, the open road, and the beauty parlour, to name a few, to find the compelling stories and eureka moments in American history. From bobby pins to in-line skates, from the jukebox to the fax machine, American Inventions is a captivating catalogue of the famous and not-so-famous contraptions that have shaped the American way of life. Fully illustrated with original patents and trademarks, it is a must for social historians and trivia-lovers everywhere. 
Organ Farm - Jenny Bryan & John Clare
Pig-to-Human Transplants: Medical Miracle or Genetic Time Bomb..? Hardback with d/w, both in excellent, as new condition. Published by Carlton Books (2001). 214pp. Numerous colour photographs. NZD: 10.50 / P & P: C Xenotransplantation; modem miracle or genetic time bomb? With the help of generically modified animals, scientists believe it is possible to transplant pig organs into human bodies, saving thousands of lives every year. But the potential risks are enormous. One transplant could be enough to cause a modern plague as a new disease crosses the species barrier. The authors follow the lives of patients whose lives were transformed when they received pig brain cell implants, and explore the tragic results of certain operations when humans became exposed to diseases for which they have no defence. They visit the world's first organ farm of transgenic pigs and talk to doctors and scientists who work under the burden of knowledge that what they do could save lives or possibly unleash a new plague upon the world. Tied to a two-part television documentary sure to cause passionate debate, this book reveals the full story of the incredible scientific research into, xenotransplantation and explores its pros and cons. Bryan is experienced in medical journalism. She has written a number of children's information books, and contributes regularly to newspapers and magazines. John Clare is a psychotherapist practicing in London. He has worked with Gordon Lawrence in various dreaming matrixes in London, France and Wales. |