| YA Serendipity occurs more frequently in the fields of scientific endeavor than might be supposed. Shapiro tells the story behind seven scientific discoveries, ranging from the revolutionary (the discovery of X-rays) to the still-tentative (the asteroidal collision theory of dinosaur extinction). In each instance, the scientists involved were investigating something other than what they found. But Shapiro makes clear that their discoveries were more than dumb luck: all of the scientists were alert enough to recognize their discovery as something new and promising. Entertaining, informative, and never patronizing, A Skeleton in the Darkroom is admirably written and simple enough for laypeople. While there is a lack of attention to the human elementthe background and personalities of the scientists themselvesthis omission is not crucial; the book is a solid example of good science writing. Karl Penny, Houston Public Lib . Copyright 1987 Cahners Business Information. |
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