Masters of Science and Invention

Abstract

IN recent years progressive science teachers have been pondering the problem of “humanising” scientific instruction, of introducing the breath of life into the “valley of dry bones” of experiment, observation, and inference, and thus in a measure treading on the ground hitherto monopolised by the humanists. The work under notice represents an attempt in this direction. The author has set himself the difficult task of giving, in simple biographical form, an account of the development of scientific achievement, and he states that “no knowledge of the laws of science and their manifold applications is even approximately complete without acquaintance with the outstanding figures who have made possible the age in which we live.” In the twenty-eight chapters, each of which is more or less complete in itself, we are given an excellent bird's eye view of the march of discovery and invention, which will especially appeal to the young-in years or knowledge.

Masters of Science and Invention.

By Floyd L. Darrow. Pp. v + 350 + 24 plates. (London: Chapman and Hall, Ltd., n.d.) 10s. 6d. net.