Dictionary of the Physical Sciences: Terms, Formulas, Data

This comprehensive dictionary provides clear, concise definitions of terms from chemistry, physics, the geological sciences, and astronomy. The breadth of coverage and the accuracy of the entries are unsurpassed. Symbols and abbreviations are spelled out, and any unfamiliar terms used in making the definitions are themselves defined in the dictionary. The author has included quantitative information wherever pertinent, and has added a number of tables in the appendix to provide additional data. The most comprehensive dictionary available in the physical sciences, this readable, convenient reference will be essential for students and researchers in earth sciences, physics, chemistry and astronomy, as well as for educated lay readers with an interest in science.

Review :
"A handy and useful reference book."--Science Books & Films "The definitions, which range in length from one word to several hundred, are clear and augmented in many instances by helpful illustrations." --Choice "This is something more than a dictionary: in addition to the definitions of terms that one would expect, the book supplies seventy tables of key data in the physical sciences, giving it a status approaching that of a handbook . . . The definitions are more complex than those found in more general science dictionaries . . . This would be a good individual purchase for someone seeking a comprehensive source or quick reference, particularly at the paperback price." --American Reference Books Annual "Never has the need for general science writing been more urgent than today, and Emiliani is a talent to be welcomed . . . I recommend Emiliani's Dictionary of the Physical Sciences...As its name implies, it is basically physics, chemistry, geology and cosmology. It consists of 230 pages of definitions of terms, arranged alphabetically, followed by 130 pages of more useful and interesting tables. Some of these cover such exotic data as meteor impacts on the Earth and the composition of gems."--New Scientist "A handy and useful reference book."--Science Books & Films "The definitions, which range in length from one word to several hundred, are clear and augmented in many instances by helpful illustrations." --Choice "This is something more than a dictionary: in addition to the definitions of terms that one would expect, the book supplies seventy tables of key data in the physical sciences, giving it a status approaching that of a handbook . . . The definitions are more complex than those found in more general science dictionaries . . . This would be a good individual purchase for someone seeking a comprehensive source or quick reference, particularly at the paperback price." --American Reference Books Annual "Never has the need for general science writing been more urgent than today, and Emiliani is a talent to be welcomed . . . I recommend Emiliani's Dictionary of the Physical Sciences...As its name implies, it is basically physics, chemistry, geology and cosmology. It consists of 230 pages of definitions of terms, arranged alphabetically, followed by 130 pages of more useful and interesting tables. Some of these cover such exotic data as meteor impacts on the Earth and the composition of gems."--New Scientist