Comments on: The magical mystery tour of science

By: PD Smith

PD Smith — Thu, 03 Apr 2008 10:51:57 +0000

glad to be able to spread the word...

By: Gary William Murning

Gary William Murning — Thu, 03 Apr 2008 08:58:42 +0000

Not familiar with Philip Ball -- though homunculus is now safely tucked away in the science section of my feedreader. The Self-made Tapestry looks like a must-read, too, but, boy, it ain't cheap! (I've still put it in my Amazon basket, though )

I'll have to stop coming here. You'll have me in the workhouse yet lol

By: PD Smith

PD Smith — Wed, 02 Apr 2008 18:43:58 +0000

Yes, I agree completely about your choice of science teachers. Actually I had a very good chemistry teacher and always liked the subject (in contrast to physics, I have to admit).

How about Philip Ball as a chemistry teacher? A really excellent writer. His biography of Paracelsus was superb. I believe he's got more than one new book out this year... Have a look at his homunculus blog.

By: Gary William Murning

Gary William Murning — Wed, 02 Apr 2008 17:56:14 +0000

Yes, well, as much as I admire Dawkins, he does get carried away at times, doesn't he? Can’t help wishing I'd had him as a science teacher at school, though... Dawkins for biology, Feynman for physics... now, who for chemistry?

I think I’ll probably give it a miss actually, Peter... I'm not overfond of overegged puddings -- and my reading list is already pretty unrealistic for a single lifetime

By: PD Smith

PD Smith — Tue, 01 Apr 2008 10:42:54 +0000

Hi Michael

I've not read that one although I've heard it's good. I should add it to my list...

By: Michael

Michael — Tue, 01 Apr 2008 10:30:14 +0000

Hi, I feel left out here, as she wrote this one only for non-scientists ... I am a huuuuge fan of her earlier book "Woman -- an intimate geography" though. I think that this is one of the best science books I have ever read. I completely agree with Gloria Steinem's verdict "anyone living in or near a female body should read this book".

btw, I've added you to my blogroll at http://www.proseandpassion.com , so it will be easier to stop by every once in a while ...

By: PD Smith

PD Smith — Mon, 31 Mar 2008 17:09:44 +0000

Yes, I'm all in favour of the wonder of science (although I do think Dawkins is a bit harsh on literary writers for not engaging sufficiently with science) and I wanted to like this book... but I just thought she rather over-egged the pudding - to use a good old phrase.

Don't let me put you off though! Give it a whirl and let me know what you think...

By: Gary William Murning

Gary William Murning — Mon, 31 Mar 2008 16:55:04 +0000

I’ve only recently (the past year or so) started to "revisit" science seriously after years of "distractions". I’ve always had an interest, but it was a much neglected area in my life. Now, I’m hooked -- to such a degree that I’m hardly reading an fiction (apart from... yup, science fiction!) I can understand Angier's anger. The wonder of science (Dawkin's Unweaving the Rainbow is my favourite expression of this "wonder", incidentally) is communicated so little these days, and often badly. It's depressing -- especially so when superstition slips in to take its place. In spite of it's flaws, it sounds like a valient attempt.