Exploring the concept of symmetry through a personal lens, this volume highlights six influential figures in science, each representing key areas of molecular structure research. The authors share their three-decade journey of fascination with symmetry, illustrated by icons such as Kepler, Fuller, and Curie. The text includes insights from various interviews, emphasizing the subjective nature of symmetry and its evolution from a simple interest to a deeply personal topic for the authors. Their gratitude is extended to those who contributed to this exploration.
The book features 36 renowned chemists, including 18 Nobel laureates, sharing their personal journeys in science, from early challenges to significant achievements. Readers will gain insights into groundbreaking discoveries and the human experiences behind them, covering topics such as NMR spectroscopy, computational chemistry, and the politics surrounding atmospheric chemistry. The narratives highlight the passion and dedication of these scientists, making complex subjects accessible through their firsthand accounts.
Hargittai tells the story of five remarkable Hungarians: Wigner won a Nobel Prize in theoretical physics; Szilard was the first to see that a chain reaction based on neutrons was possible, initiated the Manhattan Project, but left physics to try to restrict nuclear arms; von Neumann could solve difficult problems in his head and developed the modern computer for more complex problems; von Kármán became the first director of NASA's Jet Propulsion Laboratory, providing the scientific basis for the U.S. Air Force; and Teller was the father of the hydrogen bomb, whose name is now synonymous with the controversial "Star Wars" initiative of the 1980s.
Focusing on the concept of symmetry, this book offers a comprehensive survey of chemistry, highlighting its unifying role across various disciplines. It includes numerous examples that illustrate how symmetry influences chemical principles and connects to broader fields, making it a unique resource for understanding chemistry through this lens.
The biography explores the complex life of Edward Teller, a pivotal figure in the development of the hydrogen bomb. While celebrated by some as a Cold War hero, others viewed him as a symbol of destruction. This nuanced portrayal delves into the contradictions of his character, revealing the multifaceted nature of his contributions and the moral implications of his work in nuclear physics. Through this lens, the book examines the broader impact of his legacy on science and society.
This book serves as a guide to the statues, busts, and memorial plaques of notable scientists, explorers, and inventors in London. It highlights the city's significance in trade, navigation, and science, showcasing memorials that reflect contributions to major discoveries and advancements over the past four centuries, complemented by 750 images and engaging anecdotes.
In this memoir, renowned physical chemist István Hargittai recounts his life and career, highlighting over forty influential figures in science. Spanning from the Holocaust to Hungary's current autocratic regime, he shares his educational journey and interactions with numerous Nobel laureates across various scientific fields.
" Valence Shell Electron Pair Repulsion (VSEPR) theory is a simple technique for predicting the geometry of atomic centers in small molecules and molecular ions. This authoritative reference, written by the developer of VSEPR theory features extensive coverage of structural information as well as theory and applications. Helpful data on molecular geometries, bond lengths, and band angles appear in tables and other graphics. 1991 edition"--
This guidebook introduces the reader to the visible memorabilia of science and scientists in Budapest - statues, busts, plaques, buildings, and other artefacts. According to the Hungarian-American Nobel laureate Albert Szent-Gyorgyi, this metropolis at the crossroads of Europe has a special atmosphere of respect for science. It has been the venue of numerous scientific achievements and the cradle, literally, of many individuals who in Hungary, and even more beyond its borders, became world-renowned contributors to science and culture. Six of the eight chapters of the book cover the Hungarian Nobel laureates, the Hungarian Academy of Sciences, the university, the medical school, agricultural sciences, and technology and engineering. One chapter is about selected secondary schools from which seven Nobel laureates (Szent-Gyorgyi, de Hevesy, Wigner, Gabor, Harsanyi, Olah, and Kertesz) and the five Martians of Science (von Karman, Szilard, Wigner, von Neumann, and Teller) had graduated. The concluding chapter is devoted to scientist martyrs of the Holocaust. A special feature in surveying Hungarian science is the contributions of scientists that left their homeland before their careers blossomed and made their seminal discoveries elsewhere, especially in Great Britain and the United States. The book covers the memorabilia referring to both emigre scientists and those that remained in Hungary. The discussion is informative and entertaining. The coverage is based on the visible memorabilia, which are not necessarily proportional with achievements. Therefore, there is a caveat that one could not compile a history of science relying solely on the presence of the memorabilia
New York city is a world center of science and the memorabilia presented introduce the reader to a culture of learning and of creating new knowledge, venues of great medicine, and a number of exceptional schools graduating world leaders in science.
