Science & Technology Firsts

Library Journal

This reference's 4000 paragraph-length entries and 164 photographs offer a selected history of science based on the concept of "firsts." The author (Landmarks of Science, Facts on File, 1989) intentionally emphasizes science since chronologies of inventions and other technological innovations are readily found in many standard sources. The book is divided into 12 subject-specific chapters covering, for instance, astronomy, biology, chemistry, communications, computers, and transportation. The entries are arranged chronologically within each chapter, while a listing called Famous First Facts, which is not limited to science, is arranged alphabetically. Recommended for science reference collections in public and college libraries.Bruce Slutsky, New Jersey Inst. of Technology Lib., Newark

School Library Journal

Gr 6 UpAccording to the author, this book is "not a comprehensive history of science and technology told in a chronological manner," but rather a selected history of firsts. Chapters on agriculture, astronomy, biology, chemistry, communications, computers, Earth science, energy, mathematics, medicine, physics, and transportation give quick snapshots of verifiable first occurrences. The more than 4000 entries range from ancient times to 1996 and contain 20 to 80 words. Some "second-level" firsts, or smaller steps or accomplishments that led to more well-known events, are also included. Bruno concentrates more on science than technology and explains that chapter placement of some firsts is arbitrary since the work of several scientists falls into different fields. The thorough index is almost 100 pages long. Black-and-white photos and line drawings reflect historical eras. A useful science reference.P. A. Dolan, Illinois State University, Normal