Like Trefil's earlier essay collections, A Scientist at the Seashore and Meditations at 10,000 Feet, this uses an aspect of the environment as a starting point for explaining scientific phenomena. Peering at the sunset, Trefil sees a chance to describe diffusion and refraction of light. Clouds trigger a discussion of wind shear, which causes airplane crashes. Explaining sunlight turns into a look at how quantum theory offers a consistent explanation for the behavior of atoms, moelcules, and quarks. This collection lacks some of the clarity and verve of the earlier books, but may appeal to adult public library patrons who enjoy short essays on popular science topics. The illustrations, many integral to understanding the author's arguments, were not seen. Laurie Tynan, Montgomery Cty. Lib., Norristown, Pa. (c) Copyright 2010. Library Journals LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.
CHOICE Review
Delightful and readable explanations primarily about atmospheric phenomena-blue sky, red sunset, clouds, tornadoes, sunspots, and lightning are a few of the topics. Trefil defines the line between science and quasi-science, the currently unexplainable including such topics as reincarnation, after-death experiences, and UFOs. He treads and pushes back that line by asserting ``Is there really something to be studied? If so, it doesn't matter whether it fits into our present understanding.'' This open attitude and Trefil's fine explanations of what some of us think we already understand make this book very worthwhile reading for everyone. There are also succinct discussions of human reaction to new interventions and how basic research becomes applied research. An obvious error is the statement that the trade winds blow to the east; also, the first explanation of the Coriolis force has it incorrectly turning parcels to the left in the Northern Hemisphere. An adequate index is provided. The only references for further reading are to writings by the author; others should have been listed. For general readers.-A.E. Staver, Northern Illinois University
Booklist Review
In this stimulating conclusion to his trilogy the earlier volumes are A Scientist at the Seashore (Booklist 81:673 Ja 15 85) and Meditations at 10,000 Feet: A Scientist in the Mountains (82:1106 Ap 1 85) Trefil offers further illuminating reflections on the world of science. His observations encompass such matters as the effect of clouds and weather on plane crashes or near misses, the properties of lightning and of Saint Elmo's fire, and the nature of color in rocks, clouds, flowers, and sunsets. This professor of physics has a wonderful ability to relate the mysteries of science to everyday life. DPD. 551.5 Meteorology Popular works [OCLC] 86-33875
Notas de autor provistas por Syndetics
James Trefil was born in Chicago and educated at the University of Illinois, Oxford University, and Stanford University, where he earned a Ph.D. in physics. Currently Clarence H. Robinson Professor of physics at George Mason University, he is among the well-respected scientists who have the skill to translate physics for the general reader into prose worthy of an English major. For example, his "meditation trilogy," described below, recounts interesting examples, clear explanations, and the wonder of science in Trefil's beautiful and lively language. (Bowker Author Biography)
