No comments about German Science: Some Reflections on German Science : German Science and German Virtues.

No comments about Inventors Card Game.

No comments about The Diaries Of Edward Pease: The Father Of English Railways.

1 comments about Mustang Designer.

1. This was an excellent book which described the achievements and events of Edgar Schmeud, the principle designer of the P-51 Muatang. It also gives an in depth history of the accelerated development of the mustang during WWII. The book contains many rare photo's of early mustangs, the manufacturing plants, and the other people involved in the development of the plane.

1 comments about Mendel in 90 Minutes (Scientists in 90 Minutes Series).

1. I had always wanted to know more about Gregor Mendel since studying science in Mendel Hall during my high school days at Augustinian Academy. This book gave me that opportunity.

   Mendel was an interesting character. Known mostly for his work in the field of genetics, Mendel was not a one dimensional character. Born in Moravia of peasant (an honorable estate in the time and place) in 1822, the priesthood provided Mendel with his only chance to obtain an education.

   His entrance into the Augustinian Monastery at Brunn provided Mendel with an opportunity to purse his scientific studies without the distraction of worrying about earning a living. After ordination, Mendel taught at the equivalent of a high school.

   It was Mendel's work in genetics that made him a subject worthy of a biography. His work involved studies on the transmission of characteristics over generations of peas. Mendel's conclusions were in accord with some the theories of Charles Darwin, a fact which limited the promotion of his findings among his peers. His work did earn him the title of "Father of Genetics".

   Mendel's scientific work slowed with his election as Abbot in 1868. Mendel had desired the post because it enable him to financially help his family. I do not understand how this is consistent with his vow of poverty. As Abbot, Mendel dealt with issues of taxation, management of the monastic estates and offices in various scientific societies. Mendel died in 1884.

   I enjoyed learning more about Gregor Mendel than I had known before. I was disappointed in learning so little about his contributions to the religious life of his community. Overall this book is s worthwhile introduction to an interesting life which left me looking for more.

1 comments about Now Hear This: The Life of Hugh S. Knowles, Acoustical Engineer and Enterpreneur.

1. This excellent publication chronicles the life of Hugh S. Knowles (LF). From his meager and violent beginnings as a youth living in Mexico during the Mexican Revolution to his death in 1988.

   Born in Iowa in 1904, Knowles spent most of his youth in Mexico in the midst of the Revolution. Even during his youth he exhibited great abilities, which led to his graduation from high school at the age of fourteen. His stint in the Merchant marines was a maturing experience, and the beginning of his career as an engineer. His college years almost proved to be too much, as he was talking a full course load each semester while holding done two jobs. His marriage to Josephine proved to be his true soul mate and a remarkable woman herself. She toiled endlessly throughout her entire life to support the family and his companies. Her untimely death at an early age left Hugh and his children devastated.

   As Hugh traveled through life, he had a sincere interest in not only technology, but also the people he dealt with. He was a perfectionist, who always insisted on overseeing the development of produced by Knowles Electronics. He had a personable side to him, as was well respected by not only his peers, but other individuals that he encountered in life. His final years with wife Nancy were reflective.

   The book nicely mixes personal/family history with technology, explaining Hugh's invention in a manner understandable to the non-engineer. Susan Goodwillie gives us in-site into Hugh's fascination with the invention of the transistor and his understanding of its importance and future applications.

No comments about Alaska Diary.

No comments about Scientists (Little Journeys to the Homes of the Great, Vol. 12).

No comments about Felix Berezin: The Life and Death of the Mastermind of Supermathematics.

No comments about Builders of the Global Village.