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CHOICE Review

This bibliographical essay describes significant books in the development of Western scientific thought found in first editions in the collections of the Library of Congress. Bruno bridges the history of science and bibliography by providing much more than a guide to this rare and special collection; he supplies a context for the discussion of the featured landmark works by surveying the emergence of modern science from theology, philosophy, natural history, and other precursors. The framework he provides is a picture painted broadly-by necessity, given the range of works examined-but is valuable for the understanding it offers the reader of the significance of each book discussed. After a general introductory chapter the book is organized broadly by disciplines: astronomy, botany, zoology, medicine, chemistry, geology, mathematics, and physics. The depth and breadth of the Library's holdings are apparent as examples of most major scientific thinkers and schools of thought are featured in a beautiful volume that manages to convey many of the unique qualities of these primary sources. The illustrations chosen enhance the text and the detailed captions in themselves convey fascinating details. As with many other Government Printing Office books this is a quality publication at a bargain price. It is recommended for those academic libraries purchasing in the history of science; it should be of interest to readers from the undergraduate level to the practicing scientist or historian of science.-J.M. Hurd, University of Chicago