Naturvidenskabens historie

'Absolutely stunning. . . a formidable achievement. A six-part historical thriller that is essential reading for both our politicians and the ordinary citizen' Kai BirdBest-selling historian Serhii Plokhy returns with an illuminating exploration of the atomic age through the history of six nuclear disasters In 2011, a 43-foot-high tsunami crashed into a nuclear power plant in Fukushima, Japan. In the following days, explosions would rip buildings apart, three reactors would go into nuclear meltdown, and the surrounding area would be swamped in radioactive water. It is now considered one of the costliest nuclear disasters ever. But Fukushima was not the first, and it was not the worst. . . In Atoms and Ashes, acclaimed historian Serhii Plokhy tells the tale of the six nuclear disasters that shook the world: Bikini Atoll, Kyshtym, Windscale, Three Mile Island, Chernobyl and Fukushima. Based on wide-ranging research and witness testimony, Plokhy traces the arc of each crisis, exploring in depth the confused decision-making on the ground and the panicked responses of governments to contain the crises and often cover up the scale of the catastrophe. As the world increasingly looks to renewable and alternative sources of energy, Plokhy lucidly argues that the atomic risk must be understood in explicit terms, but also that these calamities reveal a fundamental truth about our relationship with nuclear technology: that the thirst for power and energy has always trumped safety and the cost for future generations.

Hvordan opstod plantelivet på Jorden? Hvad er en plante overhovedet? Og har vi virkelig brug for alle blomsterne? Plantelivets fotosyntese leverer stof, energi og ilt til alt liv på Jorden. Så ja, det har vi. Det begyndte for 3,5 mia. år siden med cyanobakterier i urtiden. De udviklede sig til alger, gik på land, og så tog udviklingen fart med mosser, bregner og padderokker i Kultidens skove og endte med de utallige blomsterplanter og den flora, vi har i dag. Blomsterplanterne repræsenterer en artsrigdom, som mennesker siden har efterstræbt og udnyttet uhæmmet, mest intensivt i de seneste par hundrede år. Resultatet er nutidens kriser for natur og klima. Historien viser, at planternes livskraft med stor artsrigdom og tilpasningsevne før har bragt dem gennem globale kriser. Så måske kommer plantelivet til at blomstre igen efter biodiversitetskrise og masseuddøen – men det vil være uigenkaldeligt forandret.

"This work is an examination of the criticisms of science from both left- and right-wing political movements through the lens of the scientist Stephen Jay Gould"--

Many countries produced an official national atlas in the twentieth century. This book examines these national atlases as an intriguing window into the connections between science, state, territory and power.

"The Poems, Sacred, Passionate, and Humorous" by Nathaniel Parker Willis is a captivating anthology that showcases the diverse facets of this 19th-century American poet and essayist. In this collection, Willis's poetic talent unfolds through a spectrum of emotions and themes.The "Sacred" poems in the collection delve into spiritual contemplation and reverence, offering readers a glimpse into Willis's reflections on faith and the transcendent. These verses are imbued with a sense of awe and reverence, inviting readers to explore the spiritual dimensions of life.The "Passionate" poems capture the intensity of human emotions and relationships. Willis's exploration of love, desire, and the complexities of the heart resonates through verses that are both tender and fervent. His ability to convey the nuances of passion adds a depth of emotion to this section of the anthology.In the "Humorous" poems, Willis showcases his wit and playful spirit. Through clever wordplay and satirical observations, he infuses humor into his verses, providing readers with moments of levity and amusement.This collection is a testament to Nathaniel Parker Willis's versatility as a poet, offering a literary feast that spans the sacred and the humorous, the passionate and the contemplative. Immerse yourself in the poetic world of Willis, where each line is a brushstroke painting a vivid portrait of the human experience.

"The Poetical Works of Oliver Wendell Holmes" invites readers into the delightful world of one of America's most versatile literary figures. Oliver Wendell Holmes, a physician, essayist, and poet, showcases his poetic prowess in this comprehensive collection. Known for his wit, humor, and keen observations, Holmes crafts verses that span a diverse range of themes.In works like "The Chambered Nautilus," Holmes contemplates the progression of life and personal growth, drawing inspiration from the metaphor of the nautilus shell. "Old Ironsides" passionately defends the USS Constitution, blending patriotism with poetic flair, while "The Deacon's Masterpiece" offers a whimsical narrative about a one-horse shay.Holmes's poetry is characterized by a charming blend of sentiment and intellect, often exploring the intersections of science, philosophy, and everyday experiences. His humorous and satirical pieces, such as "The Wonderful 'One-Hoss Shay'" and "The Height of the Ridiculous," showcase his ability to infuse levity into his reflections on life."The Poetical Works" is a testament to Holmes's ability to engage readers with both serious contemplation and lighthearted amusement. Whether exploring the complexities of existence or celebrating the beauty of the mundane, Holmes's verses continue to captivate audiences with their timeless charm and enduring relevance. Immerse yourself in the poetic tapestry of Oliver Wendell Holmes, where wit and wisdom coalesce to create a literary legacy.

2024 Reprint of the 1925 Edition. Originally published in 1925, Alfred North Whitehead's Science and the Modern World was a groundbreaking and important book that redefined the concept of modern science. In emphasizing the position of science as a culturally connected activity, Whitehead anticipated arguments that would come to dominate the philosophy of science in the latter part of the twentieth century. Highly measured in its approach, the text moves through various periods in cultural history from the sixteenth century onwards and shows how the great scientific discoveries of these periods were intimately connected with a more general intellectual ferment. Throughout this narrative, philosophy is put forward as humanity's fundamental intellectual pursuit; a medium of change and reconfiguration from which all thought, scientific included, derives its strength.

I WILL that if I say a heavy thingYour tongues forgive me; seeing ye know that springHas flecks and fits of pain to keep her sweet,And walks somewhile with winter-bitten feet.Moreover it sounds often well to letOne string, when ye play music, keep at fretThe whole song through; one petal that is deadConfirms the roses, be they white or red;Dead sorrow is not sorrowful to hearAs the thick noise that breaks mid weeping were;The sick sound aching in a lifted throatTurns to sharp silver of a perfect note;And though the rain falls often, and with rainLate autumn falls on the old red leaves like pain,I deem that God is not disquieted.Also while men are fed with wine and bread,They shall be fed with sorrow at his hand. There grew a rose-garden in Florence landMore fair than many; all red summers throughThe leaves smelt sweet and sharp of rain, and blewSideways with tender wind; and therein fellSweet sound wherewith the green waxed audible,As a bird¿s will to sing disturbed his throatAnd set the sharp wings forward like a boatPushed through soft water, moving his brown sideSmooth-shapen as a maid¿s, and shook with prideHis deep warm bosom, till the heavy sun¿sSet face of heat stopped all the songs at once.The ways were clean to walk and delicate;And when the windy white of March grew late,Before the trees took heart to face the sunWith ravelled raiment of lean winter on,The roots were thick and hot with hollow grass.

Es geht in diesen Texten um drei große Persönlichkeiten aus der Sphäre der Wissenschaft - eine Frau und zwei Männer -, die im 20. Jahrhundert die Naturwissenschaften vorangebracht haben und zwischen denen es zu Kontakten gekommen ist. Die Geschichten handeln von dem unbändigen Verlangen, Wissen zu erwerben und die Prozesse in der Natur zu verstehen, und es geht auch um die Hindernisse, auf die man dabei trifft. Es gibt keinen logischen oder methodischen Königsweg zu der ersehnten Einsicht, aber ab und zu erfahren die Menschen auf der Suche nach der Wahrheit das Glück einer plötzlichen Klarheit. In der Kunst würde man von einem kreativen Augenblick sprechen. Die Wissenschaft erlebte ihren eindrucksvollsten im Jahre 1925. Ihn möchte ich mit diesen Erzählungen feiern.

In a gorgeous history that spans continents and millennia, Aarathi Prasad weaves together the complex story of the queen of fabrics. Through the scientists who have studied silk, and the biology of the animals from which it has been drawn, Prasad explores the global, natural, and cultural history (and future) of a unique material that has fascinated the world for thousands of years.Silk--prized for its lightness, luminosity, and beauty--is also one of the strongest biological materials ever known. More than a century ago, it was used to make the first bulletproof vest, and yet science has barely even begun to tap its potential. As the technologies it has inspired--from sutures to pharmaceuticals, replacement body parts to holograms--continue to be developed in laboratories around the world, they are now also beginning to offer a desperately needed, sustainable alternative to the plastics choking our planet.Aarathi Prasad's Silk is a cultural and biological history from the origins and ancient routes of silk to the biologists who learned the secrets of silk-producing animals, manipulating the habitats and physiologies of moths, spiders, and mollusks. Because there is more than one silk, there is more than one story of silk. More than one road, more than one people who discovered it, and wove its threads.From the moths of China, Indonesia, and India to the spiders of South America and Madagascar and the silk-producing mollusks of the Mediterranean, Silk is a book rich in the passionate connections made by people of science to the diversity of the animal world. It is an intoxicating read, a mix of biography and science, that not only brings to life the vast, winding history of silk, but also looks to its future as a resource with incredible, untapped potential.

This book provides a solution to the problem with the energy concept. This problem manifests itself in the fact that physicists clearly diverge regarding the question of what energy is. Some define it but others state that we do not know what it is. Although this is a problem for physicists who need to explain the concept, it is not a problem for physics that can be solved by laboratory means. Penetrating into the origin of the notion of energy, this book offers a clear idea of what was discovered and what was invented to interpret the findings.Following the development of the concept, it provides an explanation of the trends in contemporary textbooks. The author's repetition, in his "History and Philosophy of Physics Laboratory", of Joule¿s famous experiment ¿ the paddle wheel experiment ¿ with a calorimeter as originally used by Joule and with a calorimeter as proposed in textbooks, is presented, yielding new insight into the phenomenon. Thus, science teachers andstudents will benefit from reading the book as well as historians, philosophers, students of the history and philosophy of science, and all who are interested in knowing about what it is that we call energy.

"First published in 2016 in Great Britain by Faber & Faber Ltd."--Title page verso.

This work has been selected by scholars as being culturally important, and is part of the knowledge base of civilization as we know it. This work was reproduced from the original artifact, and remains as true to the original work as possible. Therefore, you will see the original copyright references, library stamps (as most of these works have been housed in our most important libraries around the world), and other notations in the work.This work is in the public domain in the United States of America, and possibly other nations. Within the United States, you may freely copy and distribute this work, as no entity (individual or corporate) has a copyright on the body of the work.As a reproduction of a historical artifact, this work may contain missing or blurred pages, poor pictures, errant marks, etc. Scholars believe, and we concur, that this work is important enough to be preserved, reproduced, and made generally available to the public. We appreciate your support of the preservation process, and thank you for being an important part of keeping this knowledge alive and relevant.

They spawn in the middle of the ocean but spend their adult lives in freshwater. They can overcome seemingly insurmountable obstacles and even cross over land. They are revered as guardians and monster-seducers by New Zealand's Maori, yet are often viewed with disgust in the West. They are a multibillion-dollar business in the Asian food market. They are often mistaken for snakes. They are eels?one of the world's most amazing and least understood fish. (Yes, fish.) James Prosek offers a fascinating tour through the life history and cultural associations of the freshwater eel, exploring its biology, its myth and lore, its mystery and beauty. Eels is a mesmerizing biography of an intriguing and mysterious creature, as well as a telling look at humanity, the will to persist, and the ever-changing relationship between man and the natural world.

"Are the Planets Inhabited?" by E. Walter Maunder is a compelling exploration into the possibility of extraterrestrial life beyond Earth. Maunder, a respected astronomer, delves into this age-old question, combining scientific inquiry with imaginative speculation. Through meticulous examination of astronomical observations and advancements in the understanding of celestial bodies, the book scrutinizes the conditions necessary for life and contemplates the potential habitability of planets within our solar system and beyond. Maunder's work navigates the intersection of astronomy, biology, and the limits of human knowledge, inviting readers to ponder the existence of life beyond our home planet. This intriguing inquiry, framed within the scientific context of its time, offers both an informative and speculative perspective on the age-old question of whether the planets in our universe might host extraterrestrial inhabitants.

"The Romance of Plant Life: Interesting Descriptions of the Strange and Curious in the Plant World" is a book written by G. F. Scott Elliot. In this work, Scott Elliot likely explores various fascinating aspects of the plant kingdom, providing readers with engaging descriptions of unique and curious plant phenomena.The book covers a wide range of topics related to plants, including their biology, adaptations, reproductive strategies, and ecological roles. It's common for such works to appeal to both general readers and those with a specific interest in botany or natural history.For readers intrigued by the wonders of the plant world, "The Romance of Plant Life" by G. F. Scott Elliot coffers an informative and enjoyable exploration of the diverse and intriguing aspects of plant life.

"The Toxicity of Caffein: An Experimental Study on Different Species of Animals" by William Salant and John Benjamin Rieger is a scientific work that investigates the effects of caffeine on various animal species through experimental studies. The authors explore the toxicity levels of caffeine by subjecting different animals to controlled doses, aiming to understand the impact on physiological and behavioral aspects.This comprehensive study likely includes insights into caffeine's influence on factors such as metabolism, central nervous system activity, and potential adverse effects. Salant and Rieger's work contributes to the scientific understanding of caffeine's effects beyond human consumption, shedding light on how this common stimulant interacts with diverse biological systems."The Toxicity of Caffein" serves as a valuable resource for researchers, pharmacologists, and anyone interested in the biochemical and physiological responses to caffeine across different animal species. The experimental approach and findings presented in the study provide a basis for further exploration into the broader implications of caffeine consumption.

Truly, Yellowstone National Park is a wonderland of nature. Poets have written about it, and artists have painted it, but to believe that such a scenic region is possible, you must see with your own eyes the spouting geysers, bubbling cauldrons, giant canyons and other spectacular phenomena, all of which present a flashing brilliance of motion and color which you will never forget. Yellowstone is the largest, the oldest and, perhaps, the best known of Americäs many national parks. It is at once weird, incredible and magnificent in its rugged, wild beauty. It is one of the greatest wild-life sanctuaries in the world. Frontiersman John Colter discovered the fabulous area by chance in the winter of 1807-08. Colter had been sent by the celebrated trader, Manuel Lisa, to Pierre¿s Hole in eastern Idaho to make friends with the Crow Indians. Coming home Colter sought a short cut and stumbled upon the mystery of Yellowstone. When he told his friends of the fantastic land he had seen, they refused to believe him.

"Uller Uprising" by H. Beam Piper is a riveting science fiction novel that unfolds against the backdrop of interstellar colonization and political intrigue. Set on the distant planet Uller, the story revolves around a human-dominated government attempting to assert control over the native Ullerans and exploit the planet's resources. Tensions escalate as the Ullerans resist the encroachment on their autonomy, leading to a complex and suspenseful narrative. Piper skillfully weaves themes of colonialism, rebellion, and cultural clashes, creating a thought-provoking and action-packed tale. With its rich world-building and exploration of political dynamics, "Uller Uprising" is a classic work of science fiction that continues to captivate readers interested in the complexities of human-alien interactions and the consequences of imperialistic ventures in distant galaxies.

"The Ways of the Planets" by Martha Evans Martin is an enlightening exploration of our solar system and the celestial ballet performed by its planetary inhabitants. In this educational work, Martin unravels the mysteries of planetary motion, explaining the intricate paths traced by each celestial body in our cosmic neighborhood. Through accessible language and insightful descriptions, the author guides readers on a journey through the unique characteristics and behaviors of the planets. From the swift orbits of inner planets to the majestic movements of outer giants, Martin's work provides a comprehensive understanding of the dynamic relationships shaping our solar system. "The Ways of the Planets" stands as an engaging resource for astronomy enthusiasts, students, and anyone eager to grasp the celestial choreography that unfolds in the vastness of space.

"The Variable Man" by Philip K. Dick is a classic science fiction short story that delves into themes of reality, technology, and the unpredictability of human behavior. In this thought-provoking narrative, Dick introduces readers to a future society where technological advancements include a process called "Warping," allowing individuals to foresee potential outcomes of various scenarios.The protagonist, a repairman named Joe Fernwright, becomes an unexpected variable in the system due to his unpredictable decisions. As he faces a critical decision that could impact the fate of a war between Earth and a distant planet, Fernwright's actions challenge the deterministic nature of the advanced technology surrounding him.Dick's "The Variable Man" is a captivating exploration of free will, the consequences of choices, and the inherent uncertainties within complex systems. With its blend of speculative elements and philosophical inquiries, this short story continues to resonate with fans of science fiction, showcasing Dick's unique narrative style and his ability to weave intricate tales that question the nature of reality.

"Time Crime" by H. Beam Piper is a gripping science fiction novella that combines elements of time travel and detective mystery. In this thrilling tale, government investigator Verkan Vall navigates a complex web of temporal anomalies and criminal activity across parallel worlds. Set against the backdrop of the Paratime police force, tasked with policing temporal dimensions, the story unfolds as Vall pursues a criminal mastermind who threatens to disrupt the fabric of the multiverse. Piper's narrative skillfully explores the implications of time manipulation and the challenges of maintaining order across divergent timelines. "Time Crime" is a compact yet intricately woven story that offers readers a fascinating blend of speculative fiction, detective work, and exploration of the consequences of temporal meddling. This novella remains a notable contribution to the science fiction genre, capturing the imagination of readers with its imaginative premise and well-crafted narrative.