2000 00 00 Isis - Vol 91 No 2 - Michael J Crowe

Magazine Overview

This issue of *Isis*, Volume 91, Number 2, published in June 2000 by The University of Chicago Press on behalf of The History of Science Society, features a "BOOK REVIEWS" section. The issue's cover displays the "CHICAGO JOURNALS" logo and "History of Science Society" text, accompanied by a stylized "JS" logo.

Book Reviews

Life on Other Worlds: The Twentieth-Century Extraterrestrial Life Debate by Steven J. Dick

Reviewed by Michael J. Crowe, this book is described as an abridgement and updating of Dick's earlier, widely reviewed *Biological Universe*. It is designed to make the history of the extraterrestrial life debate accessible to an audience with strong interests but limited attraction to long, thoroughly referenced books. The reviewer notes that the volume succeeds admirably in this goal, serving as an attractive text for college students. It updates its contents with recent reports on extrasolar planets and controversial claims about microfossil forms in Martian meteorites. The book is well illustrated and includes a helpful bibliographical essay and index.

UFOs and Alien Contact: Two Centuries of Mystery by Robert E. Bartholomew and George S. Howard

Also reviewed by Michael J. Crowe, this work is characterized as a serious scholarship by two university professors. It takes a different approach and content compared to books by Dick and Parker. Robert Bartholomew, a sociologist, has collected reports of sightings dating back to the nineteenth century, including phantom airships and zeppelins. George Howard, a professor of psychology, contributes expertise in social psychology. Part 1 of the book, "Strange Things Seen in the Sky," discusses numerous reported sightings of flying objects, suggesting that the long history of such reports, combined with social psychology, casts doubt on claims for the reality of flying saucers. Part 2 analyzes 132 cases of reported abduction or contact by aliens, proposing that individuals claiming these experiences are often "fantasy prone" persons who have difficulty distinguishing between fantasy and reality. The reviewer praises the book for its wealth of historical detail processed through powerful analytical tools of social psychology.

Alien Life: The Search for Extraterrestrials and Beyond by Barry Parker

Reviewed by Michael J. Crowe, this book is noted for covering similar ground to Dick's *Life on Other Worlds* and appealing to a similar audience. Parker, an emeritus professor of physics and astronomy, writes with scientific credibility and in a clear, engaging style. The review highlights the book's balance, objectivity, and freedom from sensationalism, which are considered rare in publications on this controversial subject. Parker's book is described as a popularization that can withstand expert scrutiny while nurturing novice interest. While it includes historical matters, its primary focus is not historical, as evidenced by its bibliography omitting Dick's *Biological Universe*. The reviewer suggests that the book's approach is more accessible than Dick's, though it may lack the depth for those seeking extensive historical analysis.

Flash of the Cathode Rays by Michael Riordan

This book, reviewed by Michael J. Crowe, is described as a fascinating story for the nonspecialist, though it may contain some repetition and awkward phrasing. Some interpretations are questioned, such as the assertion that cathode rays were the "most fundamental problem in physics at the turn of the century." The work assumes science progresses inexorably toward modern viewpoints and is not designed for those primarily interested in philosophy or extensive analyses of extrascientific factors. It is noted for its eye-catching dust jacket, nice printing, illustrations, and indexes. Biographical information about lesser-known scientists is included in the notes. It is recommended as a welcome reference tool and a good read for those interested in the background to significant twentieth-century developments in physics.

J. J. Thomson's work on the electron (volume reviewed by E. A. Davis and Isobel Falconer)

This volume, reviewed by Michael J. Crowe, aims to provide a readable account of J. J. Thomson's work on the electron within the context of his life and other scientific work. The authors present Thomson's work chronologically, with biographical details and background information. It includes excerpts from Thomson's correspondence and period material, such as the Cavendish ditties "Ions Mine" and "An Emanation." About half of the book consists of facsimile reproductions of key papers by Thomson. The authors based their work on period manuscript and published materials but did not include secondary historical literature. Full references are conveniently placed at the end of each chapter. The reviewer notes that the authors were less than successful in creating a readable book, stating that the text does not flow naturally and that the placement of facsimiles, not integrated with the narrative, is awkward. A timeline and collective bibliography would have been helpful. The book is commended for readers interested in the history of the electron who wish to have original papers, illustrations, and narrative together in one concise volume.

Centenary volume edited by Michael Springford on the electron

Reviewed by Marjorie Malley, this centenary volume is designed to provide physicists with an overview of current research on conceptual matters involving the electron. It features essays by specialists on topics ranging from the isolated electron to its interactions in matter and its role in the cosmos. A historical essay, written from a present-day perspective, introduces the volume. References, mainly for primary literature, are listed alphabetically at the end of the volume, which the reviewer finds an awkward placement for a collection of separate essays. The book has an attractive dust jacket and excellent illustrations. Historians of physics are expected to appreciate the photographs of apparatus from the Cavendish Laboratory museum paired with diagrams from original publications.

Wissenschaft in turbulenter Zeit: Erinnerungen eines Chemikers an die Technische Hochschule München 1933-1953 by Helmut Behrens

Reviewed by Michael J. Crowe, this memoir presents the chemist Helmut Behrens' experiences as a student, assistant, and university teacher at the Technische Hochschule München from 1933 to 1953. Seventy-five pages are devoted to the National Socialist era, and ninety-four pages to the postwar era. Behrens, who opposed National Socialism from the beginning, adds new details about German universities during this period. He describes the lack of protest against the dismissal of Jewish university teachers, the widespread National Socialist convictions among students, and the difficulties of continuing research after the bombing of Munich. The review highlights Behrens's observation that although escalating measures against Jews were visible, few people were troubled by them, and colleagues later claimed ignorance. Institute heads retained freedom in choosing coworkers and research topics, conducting respectable basic research. Behrens depicts Nobelist Hans Fischer and Walter Hieber as non-National Socialists who helped those in need. Fischer committed suicide in 1945, believing he could not conduct research again. Behrens also elaborates on the opposition among university teachers to de-Nazification measures, with one professor suggesting not filling a vacated position to pressure the military government. The reviewer contrasts this with the lack of reaction to dismissals in 1933. Behrens provided many "Persilscheine" (vouchers testifying to political innocence) for colleagues who had been members of the Nazi Party or its affiliates. The review notes that Behrens's assessment differs from those of Victor Klemperer and Werner Schmidt, who experienced a majority of colleagues participating in the exclusion and dehumanization of Jewish colleagues. De-Nazification ended in 1951, allowing most dismissed university teachers to be reinstated. The postwar discussion about restructuring universities did not acknowledge that the 1933 dismissals were unjust. Behrens's conclusion that embitterment about de-Nazification measures was a reason Germans did not confront their past is questioned by the reviewer, given Behrens's own account.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

This issue of *Isis* focuses on book reviews, critically examining recent publications in the history of science, particularly in the fields of extraterrestrial life, UFO phenomena, and the physics of the electron. The journal also delves into historical accounts of significant periods, such as the Nazi era in Germany, through personal memoirs. The editorial stance appears to favor rigorous scholarship, objective analysis, and a critical examination of historical events and scientific discourse. The reviews emphasize the importance of historical context, scientific credibility, and balanced perspectives, while also pointing out potential weaknesses in the reviewed works, such as narrative flow or the integration of materials. The journal seems committed to providing in-depth analysis and fostering a deeper understanding of scientific and historical developments.