Reviewer: jshinkle@trinity.edu (San Antonio, Texas, USA) -
I have had this book for years and given away a few copies. I'm back for one more. I first read this book when a young and relatively engaged biology student. It convinced me then, as it still does today, that doing science can lead to the expression of some of the best human characteristics: honor, commitment, courage compassion...(fill in your favorite virtue). The pieces are short and well written. They are all accessible at a least some level to the lay reader, and they range from historical accounts some very odd moments to wry assesments of personalities to some outrageous stories and hilarious spoofs. Even if the details are dated, the stories have a timeless quality because they are really about the human condition. The variety of entries pretty much guarantees that any one with an interest in science will find not one but many items well worth reading
I have had this book for years and given away a few copies. I'm back for one more. I first read this book when a young and relatively engaged biology student. It convinced me then, as it still does today, that doing science can lead to the expression of some of the best human characteristics: honor, commitment, courage compassion...(fill in your favorite virtue). The pieces are short and well written. They are all accessible at a least some level to the lay reader, and they range from historical accounts some very odd moments to wry assesments of personalities to some outrageous stories and hilarious spoofs. Even if the details are dated, the stories have a timeless quality because they are really about the human condition. The variety of entries pretty much guarantees that any one with an interest in science will find not one but many items well worth reading
