Dry But Factual

Science Past and Present by F. Sherwood Taylor (Mercury Books)—12/6.

with increasing early specialisation widening the gap between the "two cultures." a book which attempts to depict the growth of science in a manner intelligible to the layman, is worth close attention.

The book gives a general, if not comprehensive, coverage of the intellectual and material development of science, its relation to arts and industry, and the effects on transport and medicine. Each chapter is broken up into smaller sections, and contains many fascinating extracts from original papers. This makes for much more interesting reading than is normal in this type of book.

The book's greatest strength is in showing science as a living growing organism, its powers and limitations, most strikingly described by Eddington's parable of the fishing net.

I doubt, though, whether the book would provide the specialist with a good background in other branches of science. Most of the material does not go above Stage 1 level, and the majority of science students have three or more Stage 1 units in their degree. This would give the background that the book provides. First year students, however, would find it a useful addition to their library.

The book will certainly be intelligible to the layman but whether he will read much of it is debatable. This is due to the dry factual nature of the material, despite the author's efforts to enliven it. Much perseverance in small portions would be necessary to finish the 359 pages.

Successful in many of its aims but not in all, the book is a valuable contribution in a limited sphere.

—J.P.