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One of the fruits of the Scientific Revolution was the idea of a social science - a science of government, of individual behavior, and of society - that would operate in ways comparable to the newly triumphant natural sciences. Thus was set in motion a long and often convoluted chain of two-way interactions that still have implications for both scholarship and public policy. This book, by the dean of American historians of science, offers an excellent historical perspective on these interactions.The core of the book consists of two long essays. The first focuses on the role of analogies as linking factors between the two realms. Examples are drawn from the physics of rational mechanics and energy physics (in relation to marginalist or neoclassical economics) and from the biology of the cell theory (in relation to nineteenth-century sociology). The second essay looks closely at the relations between the natural and the social sciences in the period of the Scientific Revolution.The book also includes a record of a series of conversations between the author and Harvey Brooks (Professor of Technology and Public Policy Emeritus at Harvard) that addresses the present-day public policy implications of the historical interactions between the natural and the social sciences. A short but illuminating history of the terms "natural science" and "social science" concludes the book. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (1)

On the cosmological argument for the existence of a deity
I reckon the book gives a very good measure of Sir Isaac Newton's interests in philosophy. One shoulk ask why philosophy? Well we have to say that this writings contain some of the best arguments ever used in defense of God's existence. Moreover, the "Four letters to Mr. Richard Bentley" contain what should be considered the argument of "imperfection" for the existence of a Voluntary Agent in the Universe. Nobody before Newton dared to say that from the imperfection of this world it follows that God neccessarily exists. This argument will be, of course, a great subject for the criticism of Leibniz and Descartes' disciples. Then again, the book contains a very good paper on the natural and un-natural motion of celestial bodies, a very good treatise in itself on inertia and gravity, which makes us wonder whether our modern view on the universe is a Newtonian or a Cartesian one. After all the theme is very actual and it has not lost it's strenght. ... Read more

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Benjamin Franklin is well known to most of us, yet his fundamental and wide--ranging contributions to science are still not adequately understood. Until now he has usually been incorrectly regarded as a practical inventor and tinkerer rather than a scientific thinker. He was elected to membership in the elite Royal Society because his experiments and original theory of electricity had made a science of that new subject. His popular lame came from his two lightning experiments the sentry--box experiment and the later and more famous experiment of the kite--which confirmed his theoretical speculations about the identity of electricity and provided a basis for the practical invention of the lightning rod. Franklin advanced the eighteenth-century understanding of all phenomena of electricity and provided a model for experimental science in general.

I. Bernard Cohen, an eminent historian of science and the principal elucidator of Franklin's scientific work, examines his activities in fields ranging from heat to astronomy. He provides masterful accounts of the theoretical background of Franklin's science (especially his study of Newton), the experiments he performed, and their influence throughout Europe as well as the United States. Cohen emphasizes that Franklin's political and diplomatic career cannot be understood apart from his scientific activities, which established his reputation and brought him into contact with leaders of British and European society. A supplement by Samuel J. Edgerton considers Franklin's attempts to improve the design of heating stoves, another practical application that arose from theoretical interests.

This volume will be valuable to all readers wanting to learn more about Franklin and to gain a deeper appreciation of the development of science in America.

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The translation of this well-known French textbook introduces physics students to the field of quantum mechanics. The work is now being published in its third edition.Each chapter consists of two parts. In the first part, the fundamental postulates and concepts are introduced. In the second part, the basic knowledge of quantum mechanics is conveyed by means of numerous applications. The work is a both a textbook and a workbook, and is also suited as a reference work for professionals in the field.- Translation of the well-known and timeless work by Nobel Prize winner Cohen-Tannoudji and his co-authors.- Unique two-part chapter structure, with part one consisting of basic concepts, and part two consisting of exercises and an explanation of applications within the field of physics ... Read more

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Create the future “you dream of” with this marvelous and unique book on the intimate role your dreams can play in shaping and directing your life.This is not just another dream book!The author shares the dreams of scores of ordinary people, taking dream interpretation out of the realm of intellect and into the world of heart—where you can see how your dreams reveal mysterious aspects of your soul.You’ll connect with your dreams, your self, andyour future when you read this book. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (5)

Science and philosophy, an intelligently written book
I was skeptical when a friend of mine gave me this book for my birthday, but after reading it, I realized that so many of my dreams have fostered my own life's progress. Ms. Andreasen has a keen eye for detail and I was glad to find a down-to-earth approach to the topic of dreaming. I particularly loved the chapter on science and the study of sleep. Being a psychologist, I have followed Hobson's work for years and was glad to see it included in this book. Hats off to the author.

great book
suz is a scientific mystic:the perfect guide and friend for life in the post-modern era.

Pseudo Psychology
I bought this book with high hopes based on the reviews at Amazon but I reckon they must have been written by the author - 'cos the book is rubbish.

Dennis Woods
I love this book. Suz Andreasen has written a useful and intelligent book on dreams. This is a book that I can use again and again to understand and work with my dreams. I love the exercises and I can't wait to go to sleep each night. I love how the author draws parallels between the concepts of aspirations and dreaming sleep. This is a book for everyone who wants more from their life and their future.

This book is a dream come true!
Finally, a dream book that is useful! Suz Andreasen has once again proved that spiritual and creative potential is for everyone. This book showed me the power of my dreams and how they can work for me. As an artist, I found it enlightening, powerful, and down to earth. The dictionary is handy and filled with universal symbolism from every culture and religion. It's a book that anyone can pick up and not only read, but also go back to again and again. I highly recommend it. ... Read more