American Scientist

Magazine Overview

Title: American Scientist
Issue: Vol. 58, No. 1
Date: January-February 1970
Publisher: Sigma Xi, The Scientific Research Society
Country: USA
Language: English

This issue of American Scientist features several book reviews and announcements, with a significant focus on the Condon Report on Unidentified Flying Objects (UFOs) and the emerging science surrounding the Apollo 11 moon mission.

Book Reviews

Review of 'Scientific Study of Unidentified Flying Objects' by Edward U. Condon

This review, authored by J. Allen Hynek, discusses the Condon Report, which was the definitive answer to the UFO problem at the time. Hynek notes a "disturbing dichotomy" within the report: while the principal investigator, Dr. Condon, dismisses the UFO phenomenon as a "chimera" in his summary, many of the contributing authors present compelling cases for the importance and study of UFO reports. Hynek points out that Condon's summary selectively uses easily explainable or poorly reported cases as illustrations, while his colleagues detail cases that resisted meticulous rational explanation. For example, regarding the McMinnville photos, Condon stated they were "too fuzzy to allow worthwhile photogrammetric analysis." However, the photographic expert devoted eight pages to their analysis and concluded that the "extraordinary flying object, silvery, metallic, disc-shaped, tens of meters in diameter, and evidently artificial, flew within sight of two witnesses." Hynek recommends that readers carefully examine the portion of the report dedicated to the investigation of puzzling UFO reports, rather than relying solely on Condon's summary, to form their own judgment.

Review of 'The Design of Design' by Gordon L. Glegg

Reviewed by Steve M. Slaby, this book is described as timely given the ongoing debate about teaching engineering design. Glegg, a design engineer with extensive experience in invention, writes in an entertaining, qualitative, and descriptive manner. The book draws on his actual design experiences and problems encountered in industry and as a private inventor. Glegg's philosophy on design is illustrated through quotes, such as "Computerize all that can be conveniently done and release young minds more for the adventure of originality" and "The inventive element is essentially independent and unforced." The reviewer recommends the book for students seeking an impression of an experienced inventor's approach to creative design, and for academics who may have lost touch with real-life problems in civilian-consumer industries.

Review of 'The Surface of the Earth' by A. L. Bloom

This brief book is noted as the only paperback, besides one specialized book on streams, that capsulizes recent trends in geomorphology. The reviewer highlights the opening chapter, "Energetics of the Earth's Surface," as admirably and imaginatively setting the stage. Chapter 2, "Rock Weathering," is considered superior to many longer texts, although Chapter 3, "Rock Fragments in Motion," is described as traditional, except for material on slope elements.

Announcement: Apollo 11 Lunar Science Conference

The issue announces that the American Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS) dedicated its January 30th issue of Science Magazine to lunar information available up to that time, including 144 reports from the Lunar Sample Analysis Conference in Houston. Due to the high demand for this data, AAAS will publish all lunar reports from the January 30th Science issue in a clothbound volume titled "Apollo 11 Lunar Science Conference" (ISBN 087168-091-2). This volume was expected to be available around April 10, 1970. A retail price of $14 is listed, with a special price of $12.50 for AAAS members who order with payment. Copies of the January 30th "Moon Issue" of Science could also be ordered separately for $3 each.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue revolve around scientific inquiry and the presentation of research findings, particularly in the fields of physics, engineering, earth science, and space exploration. The editorial stance, as reflected in the reviews and announcements, appears to be one of encouraging rigorous scientific investigation and the dissemination of knowledge, even on controversial topics like UFOs. The publication of the Condon Report, despite its controversial conclusions, and the extensive coverage of the Apollo 11 mission underscore a commitment to exploring and reporting on significant scientific developments and debates.