How We Know What We Know

why did pirates covet maps more than gold? Does Mars sometimes slip into reverse gear? Can trees reveal secrets of the past? there are millions of facts that we know about the world-that the Earth is round that birds migrate and that dinosaurs once roamed the planet. But how do we know what we know? Regaling us with tales of remarkable men and women who didn't rest until they got the answers they sought Shruthi Rao chronicles the stories behind the discoveries and inventions we take for granted today. This book in fifty marvellous accounts tells us of the sense of mystery and wonder that propel scientists to find solutions to the puzzling problems of the world around us. About the Author Shruthi Rao studied to be an energy engineer and worked as a software professional until her story-gobbling-monster-daughter pulled out the writer lurking inside her. She writes for both adults and children and is a freelance editor. She loves books science trees desserts hikes and the internet.