1969 03 00 General Science Quarterly - Vol 53 No 2

Magazine Overview

This document is a section of book reviews from a publication dated March 1969, identified as Volume 181. The reviews cover a diverse range of non-fiction titles published between 1966 and 1968, offering critical assessments and summaries for a readership interested in science, technology, and current affairs.

Book Reviews

Technology and the Schools; A Report on the Use of Buildings and Equipment

These two British publications are reviewed together. "Technology and the Schools" is a pilot study report from the School Council Project Technology, emphasizing the importance of technology in British education. "A Report on the Use of Buildings and Equipment" is a report from a committee focused on the effective utilization of technical college resources. Both are noted as British publications.

The Ultrastructure of the Animal Cell by L. T. Threadgold

This book is described as a specialized textbook focusing on the ultrastructure of the animal cell, as revealed by electron microscopy. It is published by Pergamon Press and contains 316 pages.

Optical Illusions by S. Tolansky

Published by Pergamon Press, this book explores various kinds of optical illusions, from the familiar to the less known, and is richly illustrated. It highlights how visual estimates of quantities like length, area, and depth can be misleading, and notes that camouflage is used by both animals and man. The reviewer highly recommends it for general readers and for science book collections at any level.

The Discovery of Time by Stephen Toulmin and June Goodfield

This is a paperback Harper Torchbook title. The review posits that time is a man-made concept and that humans are unique in having a time scheme, a concept that has developed rapidly in recent history. The book traces the development of humanity's concept of time from its origins to the present, noting that astronomers have extended the concept back to approximately 10 billion years. It is described as an exceedingly interesting book.

Challenge to Science: The UFO Enigma by Jacques and Janine Vallee

Published by Henry Regnery Company, this book addresses the ongoing debate about UFOs. The authors are convinced of the reality of UFOs and cite numerous observations as evidence. They suggest that while early sightings might date back to ancient times (mentioning Ezekiel), the question of UFOs is not unsolvable and requires a scientific approach. The review concludes that this is likely one of the most unbiased books on the subject.

From Frege to Gödel: A Source Book in Mathematical Logic, 1879-1931 by Jean Van Heijenoort

This Harvard University Press publication is a source book in mathematical logic covering the period from 1879 to 1931. It includes the complete translation of Frege's book and writings from many other notable authorities, making it an important work in the field.

Weather or Not by Florence W. Van Straten

Published by Dodd, Mead & Company, this book discusses weather and its importance. It notes that meteorology has traditionally been a male-dominated field, but the author, a meteorologist for over twenty years, explains various aspects of weather and their causes. The book includes illustrations, charts, and photographs and is recommended for laymen, elementary teachers, general science teachers, and high school students.

The Dance Language and Orientation of Bees by Karl von Frisch

This book, translated from German by Leigh E. Chadwick, is by Dr. Karl von Frisch, a renowned authority on bees. It details, in clear, non-technical language, the author's lifelong research into bee language, orientation methods, and sensory faculties, including discoveries about the language of the honey bee.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The reviews collectively showcase a strong interest in scientific and technological advancements, historical perspectives on concepts like time, and the exploration of unexplained phenomena like UFOs. There is an emphasis on making complex scientific topics accessible to a broader audience, as indicated by recommendations for general readers and students. The editorial stance appears to favor well-researched, objective analyses, as seen in the positive review of the UFO book for its unbiased approach. The inclusion of books on education and specialized scientific fields suggests a commitment to informing readers about both the practical applications of knowledge and the frontiers of scientific discovery.