Fifteen National Science Foundation executives and managers met with Arnold Thackray to discuss the historian and the progress of science. Presented are comments by participants of this roundtable discussion (part of a series of roundtables which examined theoretical/practical aspects of how the nature of scientific progress is defined and…

"Rings" (by astronomer James Elliot and science writer Richard Kerr) is a nontechnical book about the discovery and exploration of ring systems from the time of Galileo to the era of the Voyager spacecraft. One of this book's chapters is presented. (JN)

Many talented physicists who fled Europe during the rise of fascist regimes came to the United States to escape various kinds of persecution. The role and accomplishments of these scientists in enriching the science community in the United States are discussed. (JN)

Discusses the development and uses of the transistor, noting that it represented a transitional technology, bridging the gap between the vacuum tube and the microchip. (JN)

The classical vacuum of physics is not empty, but contains a distinctive pattern of electromagnetic fields. Discovery of the vacuum, thermal spectrum, classical electron theory, zero-point spectrum, and effects of acceleration are discussed. Connection between thermal radiation and the classical vacuum reveals unexpected unity in the laws of…

Traces the development of the Arrhenius equation from its beginning, examining the more important alternate proposals and the work that supported them. Aside from its historical interest, this examination affords insight into how scientific progress is made. (JN)

On December 2, 1942, in a racquet court underneath the West Stands of Stagg Field at the University of Chicago, a team of scientists led by Enrico Fermi created the first controlled, self-sustaining nuclear chain reaction. This updated and revised story of the first reactor (or "pile") is based on postwar interviews (as told to Corbin…

Fifteen National Science Foundation personnel met with Stephen Toulmin to discuss topics/issues related to pluralism and responsibility in post-modern science. Presented is an edited transcript of this roundtable/discussion (part of a series of roundtables which examined theoretical/practical aspects of how the nature of scientific progress is…

Discusses why the Nobel Committee for Physics waited so long before giving Einstein the Nobel Prize and why they did not award it for relativity, but for the photoelectric effect instead. Focuses on the judgments of leading scientists who made nominations as well as committee members' decisions. (Author/JN)

Describes the origin of the science of cosmology and the competing theories to explain the beginning of the universe. The big bang theory for the creation of the universe is contrasted with the steady state theory. The author details discoveries that led to the demise of the steady state theory. (PR)

Gives historical background on the discovery of natural radiation and discusses various techniques for using knowledge of radiochemistry in geochronological studies. Indicates that of these radioactive techniques, Potassium-40/Argon-40 dating is used most often. (JN)

Discusses a number of significant persons and ideas in the European development of notions relating to faunal succession. Major focus is on the 17th through the 19th centuries, from the onset of rational investigations of the earth to definition of the stratigraphic zone. (JN)

Explores the social and cultural processes involved in the development of a social system of science in non-Western contexts. Proposes a sociology of science validity program for studying science in varying cultural and civilizational settings. Summarizes science development in China, India, Iran, and Japan. (ML)

Discusses the formative elements of modern science in Japan, examining the feudalistic influence and impact of national events on policy formation and program direction. Also analyzes the cultural and social factors that have changed Japan's approach to science and technology. (ML)

Traces the history of the antivivisection movement, examining issues related to the use of animals in studying the cause of rabies. Also discusses issues related to the current controversy over animal experimentation. (JN)