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Review by Michael Sims
For some reason, we love to rank things -- favorite poems, best essays, and in this case most influential scientists. Any such line-up is at least partially subjective and arbitrary. With that single cavil out of the way, however, this book deserves nothing but applause. The author, John Simmons, writes clearly and appreciatively of the scientific enterprise, the urge to learn as much as possible about how nature (stars, dogs, cancer) works.
Simmons addresses the whole spectrum of the sciences. The 100 biographical essays range from Dirac's work on quantum electrodynamics to Vesalius's studies of anatomy to Tycho Brahe's pioneer astronomical observations. Not surprisingly, the featured scientists are a skeptical, freethinking lot. Consider, for example, a remark by contemporary biologist Lynn Margulis: "Homo sapiens is not wise by virtue of his self-appointed name; to me the species reeks of arrogance fraught with ignorance."
©1996, ProMotion, inc.