Companion to the Physical Sciences

<p>First published in 1989 this dictionary of the whole field of the physical sciences is an invaluable guide through the changing terminology and practices of scientific research. Arranged alphabetically it traces how the meaning of scientific terms have changed over time. It covers a wide range of topics including <i>voyages observations magnetism </i>and <i>pendulums</i> and central subjects such as <i>atom valency </i>and <i>energy</i>. There are also entries on more abstract terms such as <i>hypothesis theory induction deduction falsification </i>and <i>paradigm </i>emphasizing that while science is more than ‘organized common sense’ it is not completely different from other activities. Science’s lack of innocence is also recognized in headings like <i>pollution</i> and <i>weapons</i>.</p><p>This book will be a useful resource to students interested in the history of science. </p>