From the pioneering work of marine biologist Ed Ricketts to the unscientific nature of race, the dendrochronological dating of violins and the history of typhus research, Books & Arts reviews and Q&As in 2014 covered a broad range of science issues. A subscription is required to view this content.

Genetics: Under the skin

Nathaniel Comfort wonders at the enduring trend of misrepresenting race.

17 September 2014

In retrospect: Between Pacific Tides

Aaron Hirsh celebrates the 75th anniversary of the marine-biology classic by Ed Ricketts, the bohemian scientist who inspired John Steinbeck.

17 December 2014

In retrospect: On the Connexion of the Physical Sciences

Richard Holmes finds Mary Somerville's breakthrough science best-seller thrillingly fresh, 180 years on.

22 October 2014

Q&A: Violin detective

Peter Ratcliff uses dendrochronology — tree-ring dating — to pin down the age and suggest the provenance of stringed instruments.

24 September 2014

Internet: Technology and its discontents

Jaron Lanier surveys four studies probing the vexed nexus of mind and digisphere.

17 September 2014

History of medicine: Typhus and tyranny

Tilli Tansey ponders a turbulent history of vaccine research in Nazi-occupied Europe.

16 July 2014

Military technology: Science in the trenches

David Edgerton applauds a study of a scientific elite whose impact spanned two world wars.

02 July 2014

Astronomy: Art of the eclipse

As the next solar eclipse approaches, Jay M. Pasachoff and Roberta J. M. Olson ponder how artists from the early Renaissance onwards have interpreted the phenomenon.

16 April 2014

Energy: The new oil era

Chris Nelder relishes a lively history of fracking that delves into the complexities.

09 April 2014

Development: Liquid assets

Margaret Catley-Carlson is invigorated by a brace of books on the future of world water supplies.

15 January 2014