I don't want to forget my science background, it served me well over the years, and in my schooldays chemistry was my passion, I don't think it would have made a good career though. I try to keep up with science generally through books. My art school, surprisingly, had "New Scientist" in the library, so I could take refuge when art got too difficult & stressful.
Aldersey-Williams:
Periodic Tales , the title is invariably read by the science-literate as “periodic
tables” which gives a clue. It’s a
quirky tale of the author’s quest, from childhood to collect, or at least see,
as many of the elements as possible, leading to such eccentricities as
collecting the filaments from light bulbs (tungsten) and nibs from expensive
pens (osmium). Much more interesting than the subject suggests.
Stott: Darwin
and the Barnacle is another one where one might be put off by the rather
unprepossessing title, a fascinating
insight into Darwin, his obsessional traits, hypochondriasis and of course his
discoveries. More than you’ll really ever need on barnacles too.
Dawkins:
The God Delusion is of course a
classic, many interesting ideas, only a bit biased! Everyone should read it,
even if to disagree.
Cox & Forshaw: The Quantum
universe; Everything That Can Happen
Does happen . I think it was Richard Feynman who said something like “if
you think you understand Quantum physics, then you have no idea what it’s
about!” This brilliant book gives a good idea of what it is you can’t
undersstand.
Harford:
The Under Cover Economist is a rather cynical look at how society works, as
expected we’re greedy & all is motivated by profit.
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