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> Introduction, A-Z Listings, Index