E-Book Overview
What is a scientific theory? How is it different from a law or a principle? And what practical use is it? Science students, especially those new to studying the sciences, ask these questions everyday about these essential parts of a science education. To support these students, the Encyclopedia of Scientific Principles, Laws, and Principles is designed to be an easy-to-understand, accessible, and accurate description of the most famous scientific concepts, principles, laws, and theories that are known in the areas of astronomy, biology, chemistry, geology, mathematics, medicine, meteorology, and physics. The encyclopedia contributes to the scientific literacy of students and the general public by providing them with a comprehensive, but not overwhelming source of those scientific concepts, principles, laws and theories that impact every facet of their daily lives.
The Encyclopedia of Scientific Principles, Laws, and Theories includes several hundred entries. For ease of use, entries are arranged alphabetically by the names of the men or women who are best-known for their discovery or development or after whom the particular scientific law or theory is named.
Entries include a short biography of the main discoverers, as well as any information that was of particular relevance in the evolution of the scientific topic. The encyclopedia includes sidebars and examples of the usefulness of the theories, principles, and laws in everyday life, demonstrating that understanding these concepts have practical use. Each entry also includes resources for further research, and the encyclopedia includes a general bibliography of particularly useful primary and secondary source materials.
E-Book Content
Encyclopedia of Scientific Principles, Laws, and Theories
Encyclopedia of Scientific Principles, Laws, and Theories Volume 1: A–K Robert E. Krebs Illustrations by Rae Dejur
Library of Congress Cataloging-in-Publication Data Krebs, Robert E., 1922– Encyclopedia of scientific principles, laws, and theories / Robert E. Krebs ; illustrations by Rae Dejur. p. cm. Includes bibliographical references and index. ISBN: 978-0-313-34005-5 (set : alk. paper) ISBN: 978-0-313-34006-2 (vol. 1 : alk. paper) ISBN: 978-0-313-34007-9 (vol. 2 : alk. paper) 1. Science—Encyclopedias. 2. Science—History—Encyclopedias. 3. Physical laws— Encyclopedias. I. Title. Q121.K74 2008 503—dc22 2008002345 British Library Cataloguing in Publication Data is available. Copyright C 2008 by Robert E. Krebs All rights reserved. No portion of this book may be reproduced, by any process or technique, without the express written consent of the publisher. Library of Congress Catalog Card Number: 2008002345 ISBN: 978-0-313-34005-5 (set) 978-0-313-34006-2 (vol. 1) 978-0-313-34007-9 (vol. 2) First published in 2008 Greenwood Press, 88 Post Road West, Westport, CT 06881 An imprint of Greenwood Publishing Group, Inc. www.greenwood.com Printed in the United States of America
The paper used in this book complies with the Permanent Paper Standard issued by the National Information Standards Organization (Z39.48–1984). 10 9 8
7 6 5 4
3 2 1
Contents List of Entries Preface Introduction THE ENCYCLOPEDIA
ix xxi xxiii 1
Glossary
587
Appendix A: Alphabetical Listing of Entries by Scientific Discipline
607
Appendix B: Nobel Laureates in Chemistry (1901–2007)
613
Appendix C: Nobel Laureates in Physics (1901–2007)
619
Appendix D: Nobel Laureates in Physiology or Medicine (1901–2007)
627
Selected Bibliography
635
Index
645
List of Entries Abbe’s Theory for Correcting Lens Distortions Abegg’s Rule and Valence Theory Abel’s Theory of Groups (Abelian Groups) Adams’ Concept of Hydrogenation