Isaacs Alan. Introducing science

Foreword from Isaac Asimov. — Basic Books, 1964. — 244 p. — ISBN 978-0465034796, 0465034799.This direct and lively book performs a genuine service to the reader eager to know what modern science is all about. Organized around two central concepts matter and energy «Introducing Science» uses no «scientific» word without first explaining it and requires no prior knowledge of mathematics. It makes easily comprehensible the most recent advances in physics, chemistry, biochemistry, and related fields. Dr. Isaacs first explains what constitutes inorganic, organic, and living matter including elements, atoms, and molecules; gases, liquids, solids, and crystals; and cell reproduction, viruses, and DNA. He then turns to energy chemical, mechanical, electrical, radiant, and nuclear lucidly explaining such «complexities» as electromagnetic fields, radiation, relativity, and thermonuclear reaction. In the final section, he surveys the boundaries of knowledge, discussing in particular the creation of life and of the universe and the ultimate nature of matter. «Public opinion in matters scientific,- writes Isaac Asimov in his Foreword, - cannot exist in a vacuum. The knowledge on which a rational and constructive public opinion may form itself can come only from the labors of those who... possess the ability to explain it to those without specialized training and are willing to spend the time to do so. Dr. Isaacs is one of these scientist-writers. Within a small compass, without the use of mathematics, with minimum use of symbols, he manages to cover the salient areas of chemistry and physics. Science is no mystery, and Dr. Isaacs makes it none. It is, indeed, a great adventure which all of us ought to understand if not as professional participants, then at least as intelligent and interested onlookers. Dr. Isaacs helps us do that.»Foreword Isaac Asimov
Introduction
Matter, Energy, and the Universe
Matter
The constitution of matter
The physical states of matter
Inorganic matter
Organic matter
Living matter
Energy
The conception of energy
Chemical energy, heat, and mechanical energy
Electrical energy
Radiant energy
Nuclear energy
The Boundaries of Knowledge
The creation
The nature of matter
Epilogue
Index