Scientific American Science Desk Reference

by Scientific American

• ISBN13: 9780471356752
• ISBN10: 0471356751
• Edition: Calendar
• Format: Hardcover
• Copyright: 1999-09-01
• Publisher: Wiley

Summary

Who names newly discovered planets? What exactly are black holes? Where are there the most earthquakes? When did the first Homo sapiens walk the earth? Why is the night sky dark? How does the fluoride in toothpaste prevent cavities? Since 1845, Scientific American has answered questions and provided the best information available in all areas of science. Now, Scientific American is proud to present an accessible, one-volume reference covering all the sciences. Whether you want to examine the tiniest microbes, the properties of the earth's core, or the farthest reaches of space, this handy desk reference is the resource to turn to for the answers you need. • Over 500 biographies of key science figures • Thousands of glossary terms • Hundreds of useful Web sites • Tables, charts, diagrams, and illustrations • Sidebars featuring fascinating facts, mnemonic aids, and quizzes • Essays exploring ideas in-depth

Author Biography

Scientific American is one of the world’s leading science and technology publications. In English, it reaches more than 3 million people around the world by subscription, newsstands, and online.

Table of Contents

Foreword	ix	(1)
Contributors	x	(1)
Introduction	xi
1. Measurement	1	(22)
systems of measurement
scientific notation of standard form
types of measurement
chronology
biographies
glossary
further reading
2. Mathematics	23	(38)
numbers
arithmetic
algebra
geometry
trigonometry
calculus
statistics
chronology
biographies
glossary
further reading
3. Chemistry	61	(58)
molecules, atoms, and elements
organic chemistry
inorganic chemistry
physical chemistry
analytical chemistry
applications of chemistry
chronology
biographies
glossary
further reading
4. Physics	119	(46)
the atom
splitting the atom
subatomic particles
radioactivity
electricity and magnetism
matter
mechanics
thermodynamics
radiation
waves
fundamental forces
relativity
chronology
biographies
glossary
further reading
5. Astronomy	165	(50)
the universe
the celestial sphere and
constellations
stars
galaxies
other astronomical objects
the Solar System
planets
telescopes
the exploration of space
directory of world space agencies
chronology
biographies
glossary
further reading
6. Earth Science: Evolution and Structure of Planet Earth	215	(50)
structure and composition of the
Earth
plate tectonics
major physical features of the
Earth's surface
Earth phenomena: earthquakes
volcanism, and magnetism
rocks
minerals
geological record: divisions of
geological time and dating
geological timescale
chronology
biographies
glossary
further reading
7. Earth Science: the Atmosphere and the Hydrosphere	265	(42)
Earth's atmosphere
Earth's hydrosphere
chronology
biographies
glossary
further reading
8. Environment and Ecology	307	(42)
elements of an ecosystem
biomes
environmental issues
resources
conservation
chronology
biographies
glossary
further reading
9. Biology	349	(36)
origins of life
the cell
the molecules of life
the chemical processes of life
genetics
evolution
classification and nomenclature
chronology
biographies
glossary
further reading
10. The Animal Kingdom	385	(36)
classification
mammals
birds
reptiles
amphibians
fish
other major phyla
feeding
life cycles
animal behavior
chronology
biographies
glossary
further reading
11. Plant Kingdom	421	(36)
history of botany
classification
the plant cell
plant tissues
roots, stems, and leaves
reproduction in angiosperms (flowering plants)
alternation of generations
nutrition
transpiration
chronology
biographies
glossary
further reading
12. Human Body	457	(40)
skeletal system
muscle system
circulatory system
respiratory system
nervous system
endocrine system
digestive system
urinary system
chronology
biographies
glossary
further reading
13. Health and Disease	497	(56)
infectious diseases
noninfectious diseases
complementary therapy
chronology
biographies
glossary
further reading
14. Computer Science	553	(50)
parts of a computer
peripheral devices
types of computer
computer programming
the computer-human interface
computer applications
communications and the Internet
computers and the future
chronology
biographies
glossary
further reading
15. Technology	603	(48)
muscle to microelectronics
technology of energy conversion
engineering and technological science
technology of machines
technology of industry
technology of construction industries
technology of transportation
technology of telecommunications
key technological inventions
chronology
biographies
glossary
further reading
16. Discoveries, Inventions, and Prizes	651	(20)
Index	671