Isis

Magazine Overview

Title: Isis
Issue: Vol. 93, No. 4
Date: December 2002
Publisher: The University of Chicago Press on behalf of The History of Science Society
Country: USA
Language: English

This issue of Isis features a collection of book reviews and a section titled 'Collections,' which lists various scholarly works. The primary focus of the reviews is on books related to the history of science, technology, and the study of unusual phenomena like UFOs.

Book Reviews

Inviting Disaster: A Review

The review discusses Thomas Hughes's book, 'Inviting Disaster,' which examines technology as culture. The reviewer, J. Scott Hauger, notes that the book is a light read for historians, though sometimes repetitive. Hughes's concept of 'system fracture' is highlighted as a robust analytical tool. The book is intended for a general audience, offering lessons from the 'edge of technoscience.'

The Origins and Technology of the Advanced Extravehicular Space Suit: A Review

Gary L. Harris's book, 'The Origins and Technology of the Advanced Extravehicular Space Suit,' is reviewed by Michael J. Crowe. This work is described as a rich, carefully researched, and well-referenced technical compendium. Harris spent ten years tracing the evolution of the EVA suit, covering its nomenclature, mechanics, physiology, and comparing American and Russian developments. The book includes numerous illustrations and is considered a significant contribution to the field, suitable for both selective reading and comprehensive study.

The Lure of the Edge: Scientific Passions, Religious Beliefs, and the Pursuit of UFOs: A Review

Brenda Denzler's book, 'The Lure of the Edge,' is also reviewed by Michael J. Crowe. Based on her doctoral dissertation, Denzler's work explores the UFO movement in the United States, highlighting the tension between science and religion as explanatory frameworks. The review notes that Denzler challenges the notion that the UFO movement is primarily cultish, arguing that many early investigators were scientific. The book details how the movement evolved, with some leaders questioning the adequacy of scientific tools and a shift towards evidence of UFO abductions. Denzler's book is praised for its well-informed and thoroughly documented history and sociology of the UFO movement, its nuanced analysis of the movement's links with religion, and its scholarly presentation, including extensive end-notes, a bibliography, and an index. The reviewer commends Denzler's objectivity and dexterity in handling a complex subject.

Other Mentions

The reviews also briefly mention other works, including a book by Stanley R. Mohler on the evolution of pressure suits, referencing Wiley Post as a pioneer in high-altitude flight.

Collections

The 'Collections' section lists several academic works, primarily focused on the philosophy of technology, metaphysics, epistemology, and related fields. These include edited volumes and individual essays covering topics such as ubiquitous computing, virtual reality, the nature of information, digital capitalism, and the philosophical implications of technology.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The issue of Isis, through its book reviews, demonstrates a strong interest in the history and sociology of science and technology. It critically examines how scientific inquiry intersects with belief systems, cultural perceptions, and technological development. The reviews suggest an editorial stance that values rigorous scholarship, nuanced analysis, and the exploration of complex phenomena, whether they be technological advancements or the study of UFOs and their cultural impact. The journal appears to encourage interdisciplinary approaches, drawing from history, sociology, religious studies, and philosophy to understand scientific and technological phenomena.