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History of Modern Science and Mathematics. Ed. by Brian S. Baigrie. New York: Scribner, 2002. 4 vols. alkaline $350 (ISBN 0-684-80636-3).
This set has a lot to distinguish it from other reference books that deal with science history. I can honestly say that I have never seen reference material in the sciences presented in this manner and there are probably many reasons why not.
There are some good things about this work. It is a handsome set with a cover that is bright and catches the eye. There are not a lot of illustrations, but those that are there, presented in black and white, are done well. The authors use a method of sidebars or boxes to emphasize or clarify or define terms. There is no reason to think that the information presented is anything but well researched and factual, emphasizing the interdisciplinary nature of science history. At the end of the fourth volume there is a lengthy (seventy-six pages) "Interdisciplinary Timeline" that could prove very useful for quick reference. There is a subject index and a name index that includes all the scientists, mathematicians, and philosophers mentioned in the four volumes. The complete table of contents for all four volumes appears in every volume.
So much for the good stuff, which is outweighed by the questionable and inexplicable stuff. First is the table of contents. No authors' names are included in the TOC nor are the numerous divisions that occur in...