McGraw-Hill Concise Encyclopedia of Science & Technology

by Sybil P. Parker (Editor)

This definitive reference offers you concise, authoritative, and up-to-date coverage of every major field of science and technology. In articles authored by scientists and engineers at the forefront of their fields (including 19 Nobel Prize winners), and written to be accessible to the general reader as well as the scientific user, this newly revised volume covers 75 major fields of science and engineering, including current and critical advances in fast-developing fields such as virology, genetics, computer science, and oceanography. Richly illustrated, it also features biographical sketches of the world's top scientists, a superb index, cross references, and bibliographies. No other reference offers scientists, researchers, students, and the interested public such definitive and inclusive coverage of science and technology in a single volume.

Genres: Reference, Science

2318 pages, Hardcover

First published May 22, 1998

Reviews

[Shubham Srivastava · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is one of the finest books for those interested in the Science and Technology; recent developments in these fields and the new technologies that surround us in Biotechnology, space technology, IT, Defence and others. This covers a detailed matter on latest developments in science and issues arising out of it including climate change and other environmental challenges. Must read for competitive exams but at the same time it can be a fun read for others who seek gain knowledge in science.

[Chris Seltzer · Rating 1 out of 5]

The encyclopedia format, constrained by the limits of physical printing, feels past the point of relevance in the modern world.

The Internet offers instant access to unprecedented knowledge spanning every conceivable subject matter. In contrast, physical print encyclopedias are limited by the scope of their content and the space available within their volumes. The internet enables users to obtain information quickly and efficiently, whereas consulting a print encyclopedia requires manual effort, time, and physical access to the relevant volume.

Secondly, digital resources possess a significant advantage over print encyclopedias regarding their capacity for updates and revisions. The process of updating a print encyclopedia is labor-intensive and costly, with new editions often published only every few years. This inherent limitation means that print encyclopedias are frequently outdated or lack the latest information. Conversely, digital resources can be updated in real-time, ensuring that users can access the most current and accurate information.

Furthermore, digital resources offer a level of interactivity and multimedia content that print encyclopedias cannot compete with. Online resources can incorporate images, videos, animations, and interactive elements, enhancing users' understanding and engagement with the material. Print encyclopedias, confined by the constraints of the printed page, are unable to offer the same depth and variety of content.

Additionally, the environmental impact of print encyclopedias cannot be overlooked. The production, distribution, and disposal of print materials have significant environmental consequences, from deforestation to the consumption of fossil fuels. The shift towards digital resources represents a more sustainable approach to information dissemination and reflects a growing global consciousness surrounding the need for environmentally responsible practices.

I still find print reference material useful for specific topics where care is taken to go deep on a subject, and I think that there are instances where print is still my preferred medium for consuming content. The type of shallow quick reference that encyclopedias provide is not one of them.

[Hollowman · Rating 5 out of 5]

The paper/hardbound is big, heavy and $$$. It's worth every ounce/penny ... and now you can get it in True PDF for iPad ... which also works very well on my smaller eInk-based Kindle. What a REFERENCE!

[Ist 605]

I would add this encyclopedia because I believe it would be beneficial to both undergraduate and graduate students. It also would be useful to the education and chemistry students.

madeline davis

[Nageswara Rao]

intresting