Encyclopedia of Science and Technology

General Editor, James S. Trefil, a noted physicist and author, is a professor of physics at George Mason University and an expert in explaining science to nonscientists. A regular contributor to Smithsonian magazine, he is co-author of The Dictionary of CulturalLiteracy (1988) and 101 Things You Don't Know AboutScience and No One Else Does Either (1997). Consulting Editor and Biophysicist HaroldMorowitz is a professor of biology at George Mason University who has published widely on popular topics in science. His books include The Thermodynamics of Pizza (1991), Entropy and the Magic Flute (1993), and TheKindly Dr. Guillotin (1998).Consulting Editor Paul Ceruzzi is Curator of Aerospace Electronics and Computing at the Smithsonian's National Air and Space Museum. He is the author of two books on computing, including The History of Modern Computing and has served as a consultant for two BBC television series on computing and science.

"Unique... Invites a reader for an interesting journey... An authoritative source of information... A high quality encyclopedia that is informative, engaging, andenjoyable... It will be useful for the academic and the general reader. This volume is highly recommended for schools, college, and public libraries as well as family collections." -- American Reference Books Annual"An ambitious, readable, handsomely illustrated compendium...the illustrations...are well chosen and sharply detailed...this title makes an attractive alternative, especially for smaller collections, to the pricier multi-volume science encyclopedias." -- SchoolLibrary Journal, starred review"The book is not only a useful reference, but also a compelling read. Hundreds of illustrations aid readers in grasping concepts, and cross references make topics easy to handle." -- SCIENCE NEWS"An ambitious, readable, handsomely illustrated compendium." -- School Library Journal (starred review)"Prolific science writer Trefil is a committed advocate for scientific literacy as evidenced by the works he has coedited as well as this one-volume encyclopedia...accessible to the general reader...a true pleasure to browse and to read; highly recommended for all libraries." -- Library Journal"If you're looking for a gift for a student beginning to study science, or just naturally curious yourself, here's a splendid reference work. Edited by acclaimed science writer and physicist James Trefil, the encyclopedia marries up-to-date coverage of all aspects of science, technology and medicine with vivid graphics. From absolute zero to the Mesozoic era to semiconductors to the twin paradox, Trefil and his co-authors offer an accessible universe (as accessible as the universe gets, anyway). As should any good book intended for general audience, it turns the complex (semiconductors) as well as the almost-familiar (evolutionary theory) into the comprehensible. The nearly 1,000 entries are bountifully and intelligently illustrated, and cross-referenced to direct you to things you need to read first. There are also suggestions for further reading, although lists of Web sites would have been welcome." -- The Globe and Mail

• HOW TO USE THIS BOOK, INTRODUCTION, Alphabetical Listings A through Z, INDEX, Credits and acknowledgments