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Bomb, Book and Compass: Joseph Needham and the Great Secrets of China

Childrens Toy Shop > Books > Science- Mathematics and Technology
by: Simon Winchester

September 25, 2008

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The Age of Wonder: How the Romantic Generation Discovered the Beauty and Terror of Science

Childrens Toy Shop > Books > Science- Mathematics and Technology
by: Richard Holmes

October 01, 2008

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Florence Nightingale: The Woman and Her Legend

Childrens Toy Shop > Books > Science- Mathematics and Technology
by: Mark Bostridge

September 25, 2008

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Surely You're Joking, Mr.Feynman!: Adventures of a Curious Character

Childrens Toy Shop > Books > Science- Mathematics and Technology
by: Ralph Leighton, Richard P. Feynman

June 07, 1992
Part physicist, part prankster, part musician, part teacher, part genius, part story teller, part little boy and all human being, this is the true story of Richard Feynman. He was a man with an insatiable curiosity, and had a zest to explore the world of physics, human nature and himself.

The stories in the book are funny, entertaining and enlightening. Feynman never got out of his box, because he never had one. From the gifted young boy who fixed radios by thinking to the top notch physicist who could explain concepts to laymen like no one else, Feynman was one of a kind.

Well worth the read!

The Re-Discovery of Common Sense: A Guide To: The Lost Art of Critical Thinking

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Complications: A Surgeon's Notes on an Imperfect Science

Childrens Toy Shop > Books > Science- Mathematics and Technology
by: Atul Gawande

March 27, 2008
While the author occasionally falls into old medical clichés and his conclusions may be predictable this is still an insightful and wonderfully readable book. The author, a surgical resident in America, discusses various topics of relevance to those both in and out of the medical profession. He considers the nature of medical teaching, autonomy, mistakes and mysteries. Particularly thought provoking are his reflections on how doctors learn. Experienced doctors are in society's interest and experience is only gained through practise. However on an individual level it's not in ones interest to have someone practise upon you. The author illustrates this in examples from his own life in discussing the treatment of his young sons congenital heart defect. ... Read More:

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Zen and the Art of Motorcycle Maintenance: An Inquiry into Values

Childrens Toy Shop > Books > Science- Mathematics and Technology
by: Robert M. Pirsig

August 02, 1991
I too had to read it more than once...

What's the point of the author indulging in a 'Chautauqua' on 'Romantic' & 'Classic' 'Values', with the resultant (extravagant) soliloquy on the 'Value' of 'Quality', when the author can't even work out how to relate to his own child (who having spent the majority of his formative years in apparent mental turmoil - brought on by the behaviour of the author, as described in this book - was murdered in San Francisco 2 weeks before his 23rd birthday)?

This book is just another example of self-indulgence sold off as enlightenment...

What's the point? There is NO point.

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Suburban Shaman: Tales from Medicine's Front Line

Childrens Toy Shop > Books > Science- Mathematics and Technology
by: Cecil Helman

January 27, 2006
This has to be one of my all time favourite books. Cecil Harman takes the reader on an enthralling read through his experience in general practic. Short cases are interspersed with anthropological snippets that make the reader stop short and examine their own thoughts and practices. A refreshing change from the tree hugging cardigan wearing approach to GP which unfortunately seems to be seeping into medical schools throughout the UK. This book has truly made me sit up and think and examine and reflect on my day to day practice.

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The Voyage of the "Beagle" (Wordsworth Classics of World Literature)

Childrens Toy Shop > Books > Science- Mathematics and Technology
by: Charles Darwin

April 05, 1997
One of the amazing things about the voyage of the Beagle is that Darwin survived it! On the voyage south along the eastern coast of South America and then later on the western coast he would frequently take to the land and meet the Beagle at its next port of call further south or north. He would travel the land hiring gauchos or other guides and horses and mules so that he could study the geology and the flora and fauna. The hardships and dangers he encountered and survived would in some ways put Indiana Jones to shame. In Patagonia amidst the constant gaucho and Indian wars, rife with wanton bloodshed and a kind of genocidal determinism, Darwin rode on horseback and slept on the ground and ate mostly animal flesh of all kinds, including mare's flesh. In Tierra ... Read More:

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Einstein: His Life and Universe

Childrens Toy Shop > Books > Science- Mathematics and Technology
by: Walter Isaacson

August 15, 2008
Having just finished the recent biographies of Stanley and the young Stalin, this one had a lot to live up to, and whilst not containing the elements of derring do that those two books had, this is nonetheless a fascinating and enthralling story. Many new facts have recently emerged about Einstein's life and Mr Isaacson has woven them into a story that is easy to get through and grips throughout, which will hopefully encourage those who may not be so keen on science books to give this a chance. It is fair to say that Einstein was a "bit of s lad" at times, and belies his "mad scientist" image - he really should have got a hairdresser to sort his mane out!

I heard the author speaking on NPR radio and was keen to emphasise that this is a personal story more than ... Read More:

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The Man Who Listens to Horses

Childrens Toy Shop > Books > Science- Mathematics and Technology
by: Monty Roberts

October 02, 1997
I picked up this book as an "add on" to other biographical writing I was studying for a Creative Writing Course. During the course I didn't get chance to read it; I have seen and heard about Monty Roberts work and decided to read the book for pleasure.

It's an incredible story told simply and with great warmth. There are no pretensions - he just tells it how it is and is very generous with his description of his techniques and the highs and lows of his life's work. This is his (and his familys) story, his journey and his observations on this most noble of animals and their language. It's a mark of incredible generosity that he has put it down in words.

I have been brought up with horses and understood how you treat them with respect and care; in later ... Read More: