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• New Books

  Welcome back! I'm sure your not looking into jumping straight back into all that school work. Well no worries, we have a whole new selection of new books that will help bridge the transition from a summer of TV re-runs and a return to academic pursuits.

  Victorian Freaks by Marlene Tromp (Ohio State University Press)

  (QM691 .V53 2008 )

  “While there has been extensive work on American freak shows, less had been done on the significance of the freak in England. Scholars and students gain much insight from the essayists’ invocations of disability studies as a model for thinking about freakishness and freakishness as a model for contemplating disability. Victorian Freaks will therefore be a welcome addition to the growing body of works on freaks and disability studies from a literary perspective.” —Elsie Michie, associate professor of English, Louisiana State University—From Amazon.com

  
  Protogaea by Gottfried Wilhelm Leibniz(University of Chicago Press)

  (QE25 .L513 2008 )

  "The Protogaea is a wonderful exemplar of post-Cartesian science, attempting to explain such phenomena as the Flood and fossils in physical terms, subject to the laws of nature, occurring in a historical time frame that stretches well beyond the account of Genesis. We are indebted to Cohen and Wakefield for producing a superior version of it, with an introduction and annotations setting the historical context, a new Latin edition, and the very first English translation."-Roger Ariew, University of South Florida --From Amazon.com

  
  Digital Apollo: Human and Machine in Spaceflight by David A Mindell (The MIT Press)

  (TA167 .M59 2008 )

  "Digital Apollo takes the reader on a wild ride following the impact of the increasingly complex world of data processing, control, and display on space flight. The book traces the evolution of man's role aboard high speed aircraft, the hybrid X-15, and ultimately space flight and the lunar landing. This book is fascinating history and an important resource for future space explorers.--Robert C. Seamans, Jr., Former Deputy Administrator, NASA”—From Amazon.com

  
  Flesh and Blood: Organ Transplantation and Blood Transfusion in 20th Century America by Susan E. Lederer (Oxford University Press )

  (RD120.7 .L42 2008 )

  “This book will be the first to bring together the histories of blood transfusion and organ transplantation. It will show how these two fields redrew the lines between self and non-self, the living and the dead, and humans and animals. Drawing on newspapers, magazines, legal cases, films and the papers and correspondence of physicians and surgeons, Lederer will challenge the assumptions of some bioethicists and policymakers that popular fears about organ transplantation necessarily reflect timeless human concerns and preoccupations with the body. She will show how notions of the body- intact, in parts, living and dead- are shaped by the particular culture in which they are embedded.”—From Amazon.com
  

  Global Health: Why Cultural Perceptions, Social Representations, and Biopolitics Matter by Mark Nichter (University of Arizona Press )

  (RA441 .N53 2008 )

  “In this lesson-packed book, Mark Nichter, one of the world’s leading medical anthropologists, summarizes what more than a quarter-century of health social science research has contributed to international health and elucidates what social science research can contribute to global health and the study of biopolitics in the future. Nichter focuses on our cultural understanding of infectious and vector-borne diseases, how they are understood locally, and how various populations respond to public health interventions.”—From Amazon.com

  
  Impossible?: Surprising Solutions to Counterintuitive Conundrums by Julian Havil (Princeton University Press)

  (QA99 .H379 2008 )

  “Julian Havil's Impossible? is a superb discussion of problems easily understood by a high schooler, yet with solutions so counterintuitive as to seem impossible. Topics include the notorious Monty Hall three-door problem, the Gamow-Stern elevator paradoxes, the Kruskal count card trick, Cantor's 'paradise' of alephs, and the mind-blowing Banach-Tarski paradox, all analyzed in depth by a master who does not hold back equations that provide elegant proofs. There are surprises on almost every page.(Martin Gardner )”—From Amazon.com

  Archimedes and the Roman Imagination by Mary Jaeger (University of Michigan Press )

  (QA29.A7 J34 2008 )

  "This elegantly written and convincingly argued project analyzes Archimedes as a vehicle for reception of the Classics, as a figure for loss and recovery of cultural memory, and as a metaphorical representation of the development of Roman identity. Jaeger's fastening on the still relatively obscure figure of the greatest ancient mathematician as a way of understanding cultural liminality in the ancient world is nothing short of a stroke of genius. ---Christina S. Kraus, Professor and Chair of Classics, Yale University”—From Amazon.com

  
  Information Technology and Moral Philosophy (Cambridge Studies in Philosophy and Public Policy)by Jeroen van den Hoven and John Weckert (Cambridge University Press)

  (T58.5 .I53745 2008 )

  “This book gives an in-depth philosophical analysis of moral problems to which information technology gives rise, for example, problems related to privacy, intellectual property, responsibility, friendship, and trust, with contributions from many of the best-known philosophers writing in the area.”—From Amazon.com

  Oil, Water, and Climate: An Introduction by Catherine Gautier

  (QC981.8.C5 G38 2008 )

  “This book examines the powerful interconnections that link energy, water, climate and population, exploring viable options in addressing these issues collectively. Difficult political decisions and major reforms in resource governance, policies, market forces, and use are needed and this book provides excellent introductory material to begin to understand and to address these problems.”—From Amazon.com

  
  Falling for Science: Objects in Mind by Sherry Turkle (MIT Press)

  (Q181.3 .F35 2008 )

  "We live in the era of big science, with teams of hundreds of scientists poring over data on computer screens. In this sparkling collection, gifted students and world-class scientists remind us of the irreplaceable role of tangible objects, sensory impressions, and powerful experiences in the formation of the scientist.--Howard Gardner, Hobbs Professor of Cognition and Education, Harvard Graduate School of Education”—From Amazon.com

  
  Therapy After Terror: 9/11, Psychotherapists, and Mental Health by Karen M. Seeley(Cambridge University Press)

  (RC552.P67 S394 2008 )

  “Therapy After Terror examines the 2001 World Trade Center attack from the perspectives of New York City mental health professionals who treated the psychologically wounded following the attack. Therapists discuss the attack's effects on their patients, its personal and professional consequences for them, and the ways it challenged fundamental aspects of clinical theory and practice.” –From Amazon.com

• New Books

  Congratulations! You made through finals. Now take a break, kick back, and read one of these entertaining titles to keep your mind sharp during the long, lazy days of summer.

  The Taste of Place: A Cultural Journey into Terroir.by Amy B Trubeck.
  (University of California Press, 2008)

  TX 360. U6 T79 2008

  "This volume introduces a new and powerful idea into the quickly expanding American literature of food. Amy Trubek is better qualified than anyone I know to offer an American take on terroir--her background as an anthropologist, a chef, an orchardist, and an activist in the local food movement let her understand the idea of taste in all its diverse and wonderful dimensions, and her skill as a writer lets her communicate with great grace what she's figured out!"--Bill McKibben, author of Deep Economy: The Wealth of Communities and the Durable Future” –Amazon.com
  
  Divorced, without Children: Solution Focused Therapy with Women at Midlife by Debra D. Castaldo (Routledge, 2008)

  RC451.4.M543C37 2008

  “The topic of women divorced at midlife without children is one that has, to date, been absent from professional and academic literature, though these women make up a considerable and growing portion of our population. This book explores the experience, meaning, and impact of divorce at mid-life for women without children, and provides insights into the unique stressors and issues confronting these individuals so that the practitioner can better anticipate and meet their needs. Clinical considerations and case examples will be presented via the narrative stories of women who have experienced this unusual role in a world that is still primarily centered on marriage and mothering.”—Amazon.com
  
  Sisters in Arms: British Army Nurses Tell Their Story by Nicola Tyrer (WN, 2008)

  UA 495.G7T47 2008

  
  "Tyrer's prose, tripped of purple passage or poetic flourish, reflects a brisk journalistic commitments to gathering the last testimonies in a tale well worth telling, Valerie Grove, The Times "—Amazon.com
  
  Practising Colonial Medicine: The Colonial Medical Service in British East Africa by Anna Crozier (I.B. Tauris, 2008)

  RA395.A54C76 2007

  “This unique study is based on original sources and research into the work of doctors who served in East Africa. Anna Crozier analyses all aspects of recruitment, qualifications, training as well as the vital personal factors that shaped the Service’s character. This is the first comprehensive history of the Colonial Medical Service and makes an important contribution to our understanding of the social and cultural aspects of medical history.”—Amazon.com
  
  DNA: Promise and Peril by Linda L McCabe and Edward R.B. McCabe, MD
  (University of California Press, 2008)

  RB155.M3142008

  “The genetic revolution has provided incredibly valuable information about our DNA, information that can be used to benefit and inform--but also to judge, discriminate, and abuse. An essential reference for living in today's world, this book gives the background information critical to understanding how genetics is now affecting our everyday lives. Written in clear, lively language, it gives a comprehensive view of exciting recent discoveries and explores the ethical, legal, and social issues that have arisen with each new development.”—Amazon.com

  Thinking as Communicating: Human Development, the Growth of Discourses, and Mathematizing by Anna Sfard (Cambridge University Press, 2008)

  QA42.S432008

  “This book contributes to the current debate about how to think and talk about human thinking so as to resolve or bypass such time-honored quandaries as the controversy of nature vs. nurture, the body and mind problem, the question of learning transfer, and the conundrum of human consciousness. The author responds to the challenge by introducing her own "commognitive" conceptualization of human thinking. She argues for this special approach with the help of examples of mathematical thinking. Except for its contribution to theorizing on human development, the book is relevant to researchers looking for methodological innovations, and to mathematics educators seeking pedagogical insights and improvements.”—Amazon.com

  Design and Destiny: Jewish and Christian Perspectives on Human Germline Modification by Ronald Coe-Taylor (The MIT Press, 2008)

  RB 155.D42 2008

  “We are approaching the day when advances in biotechnology will allow parents to ‘design’ a baby with the traits they want. The continuing debate over the possibilities of genetic engineering has been spirited, but so far largely confined to the realms of bioethics and public policy. Design and Destiny approaches the question in religious terms, discussing human germline modification (the genetic modification of the embryonic cells that become the eggs or sperm of a developing organism) from the viewpoints of traditional Christian and Jewish teaching. The contributors, leading religious scholars and writers, call our attention not to technology but to humanity, reflecting upon the meaning and destiny of human life in a technological age.”—Amazon.com
  

• New Books

  Here are some new books to help you ease through the long, lazy days of summer no matter what your interests.

  Trig Or Treat: An Encyclopedia of Trigonometric Identity Proofs With Intellectually Challenging Games by Y.E.O. Adrian (World Scientific, 2007)

  QA537.Y46 2007

  “This encyclopedia contains trigonometric identity proofs for some three hundred identities. The book is presented in the form of mathematical games for the reader s enjoyment and includes a concordance of trigonometric identities, enabling easy reference.” —Amazon.com

  
  On Speed: The Many Lives of Amphetamine by Nicolas Rasmussen (NYU Press 2008)

  RM666.A493 R37 2008

  “Rasmussen, who has taught life sciences and medicine at UCLA and other universities, examines amphetamine as a case study on the place drugs occupy in our culture and our fantasies (of miracle cures and elixirs). The story begins with chemist Gordon Alles's creation of amphetamine in 1929 and continues through its use for weight loss, attention deficit disorders and today's crystal meth craze. Smith, Kline & French (now GlaxoSmithKline) bought the rights for use of the drug and marketed it to treat depression. During WWII, British and American soldiers developed an amphetamine appetite as RAF medics distributed wakey-wakey tablets to bomber crews. At the book's core is an outstanding chapter, Bootleggers, Beatniks and Benzedrine Benders, describing how Benzedrine inhalers, available without a prescription, could be cracked open for a totally new kind of amphetamine experience, exerting a potent influence on music and literature, from Charlie Parker to Jack Kerouac and Allen Ginsberg. Rasmussen has mined magazines, books and newspapers in addition to extensive explorations through U.K. and American archives. He concludes by calling for strong and immediate action to curb the widespread, dangerous use and abuse of amphetamines, emphasizing treatment and harm reduction (like needle exchange) rather than punishment, and better regulation of the pharmaceutical industry.”—Amazon.com
  
  The Formation of the Solar System: Theories Old and New by Michael Woolfson ( Imperial College Press, 2007)

  QB503.W665 2007

  “This book traces the development of ideas about the origin of the Solar System from ancient times to the present day. A survey of more modern ideas, covering the last 200 years or so, highlights the difficulties experienced by theories and also points the way towards the development of a more successful theory. In particular, the current standard model the Solar Nebula Theory is examined and discussed in some detail. After more than thirty years of development, this theory has still not settled down into an agreed form, as it experiences both theoretical difficulties and problems with reconciling new observations. By contrast, the Capture Theory, developed over the last forty years by the author, and supported by recent observations provides a complete description of the formation of the Solar System, including an evolutionary hypothesis that explains the detailed structure of the system. Written in an informative yet accessible manner, this book will appeal to both specialist and non-specialist readers alike.” —Amazon.com

  
  Labeling Genetically Modified Food: The Philosophical and Legal Debate by Paul Weirich (Oxford University Press, 2008)

  TP 248.65.F66 L33 2007

  “Food products with genetically modified (GM) ingredients are common, yet many consumers are unaware of this. When polled, consumers say that they want to know whether their food contains GM ingredients, just as many want to know whether their food is natural or organic. Informing consumers is a major motivation for labeling. But labeling need not be mandatory. Consumers who want GM-free products will pay a premium to support voluntary labeling.
  This book surveys various labeling policies and the cases for them. It is the first comprehensive, interdisciplinary treatment of the debate about labeling genetically modified food. The contributors include philosophers, bioethicists, food and agricultural scientists, attorneys/legal scholars, and economists.” —Amazon.com
  
  Jiggle: (Re)Shaping American Women by Wendy Burns-Ardolino (Lexington Books, 2007)

  TT677 .B87 2007

  “Jiggle spans the fields of women's studies, cultural studies, and media studies as it examines the significance of women's embodied experience with the most intimate strictures of femininity foundation garments. Feminist theory of the body, the cultural production and consumption of fashion and beauty cultures, femininity and female subjectivity are woven together to tell the story of how women are shaped physically, culturally, socially and politically by shaping garments.” —Amazon.com

  
  Embracing Mind: The Common Ground of Science and Spirituality
  by B. Alan Wallace and Brian Hodel (Shambala, 2008)

  Q175. W2618 2008

  “Both science and spirituality search for “ultimate truths.” God, the Big Bang, nirvana, the theory of evolution, relativity, quantum mechanics—these are some of the concepts that have been articulated as a result of that search. But the human capacity for exploring these ultimate sources of truth—the one thing that unites science and spirituality—is often overlooked. Embracing Mind argues (1) that science has hobbled itself by ignoring its unique source of inspiration—the mind—and (2) that the schism between science and spirituality is unnecessary. In language accessible to any intelligent reader, Embracing Mind first explores the veracity of major scientific “myths,” then presents a viable science of the mind emanating from contemplative spirituality, including Hindu, Christian, Sufi, and Buddhist views.” —Amazon.com
  
  The Eastern and Central European Kitchen: Contemporary & Classic Recipes
  by Silvena Rowe and Jonathan Lovekin(Interlink Books, 2007)

  TX723.5.A1 R69 2007

  “Silvena Rowe turns to countries such as Hungary, the Czech Republic, Bulgaria, Poland, Georgia, Russia, and the Ukraine for her inspiration. She cooks game with sweet-and-sour stuffing, sauces and marinades; smoked fish; wild mushrooms; fruits such as quince, figs and pomegranates; and seeds and grains such as lentils, pearl barley and poppy seeds. She plunders the traditions of the poor and wealthy alike in her quest to bring us a taste of what is put upon the tables in these countries. The food is untamed and the flavors are strong. Alongside Silvena's recipes are photographs of the food markets, farms, homes, grand cafes and restaurants of Eastern and Central Europe by renowned photographer Jonathan Lovekin.”—Amazon.com
  
  The Politics of Healthcare in Britain by Stephen Harrison and Ruth McDonald (Sage Publications, 2008)

  RA412.5.G7H3352008

  “Written by leading academics in their field this book provides a clear and considered overview of the politics of health care in Britain. Bringing together a wide range of material on both past events and recent developments, the chapters cover issues such as the politics of health professionalism, clinical knowledge, and organization and management.
  Each chapter offers a unique combination of theory, historical detail and analysis of contemporary events. It features case studies to illustrate how policy has evolved and developed in recent years, and the implications these changes have for practice. Written in an accessible style the chapters also include comprehensive introductions, summaries, and further reading sections. The final chapter is based on three detailed case studies that illuminate the tensions and debates discussed throughout the book.” —Amazon.com

  
  The Vaccination Controversy: The Rise, Reign and Fall of Compulsory Vaccination for Smallpox by Stanley Williamson (Liverpool University Press, 2007)

  RA644.S6 W55 2007

  “Stanley Williamson’s meticulously researched history of the British government’s smallpox vaccination program begins with Edward Jenner’s development of the vaccine at the end of the eighteenth century, charts the astonishing speed at which it became compulsory for children, and documents the decades of resistance that resulted in its repeal in 1946. Along the way Williamson examines the social, political, and ethical motivations of both factions. The power to make medical choices, including those regarding vaccination, remains a hotly contested issue today, making The Vaccination Controversy a timely contribution to our knowledge of medical history.” —Amazon.com

  Insomnia: A Cultural History: Focus on Contemporary Issues by Eluned Summers- Bremner (Reaktion Books, 2008)

  RC548 .S86 2008

  “In today’s media-saturated and hyper connected society, increasing numbers of people are finding it hard to switch off their overstimulated brains and escape the demands of daily life. We are becoming, it seems, a world of insomniacs. But this condition of perpetual unrest has plagued people for centuries. The roots and effects of insomnia are complex, Eluned Summers-Bremner reveals in this fascinating study, and humans have employed everything from art to science to understand, explain, and mitigate this problem.” —Amazon.com

  
  Botany, Sexuality and Women's Writing 1760-1830: From Modest Shoot to Forward Plant by Samantha George (Manchester University Press, 2008)

  Qk14.5.G46 2007

  “In this fascinating study, Samantha George explores the cultivation of the female mind and the feminized discourse of botanical literature in 18th century Britain. In particular, she discusses British women’s engagement with the Swedish botanist, Carl Linnaeus, and his unsettling discovery of plant sexuality. Previously ignored primary texts of an extraordinary nature are rescued from obscurity and assigned a proper place in the histories of science, 18th century literature, and women’s writing. The result is groundbreaking. The author explores nationality and sexuality debates in relation to botany and charts the appearance of a new literary stereotype--the sexually precocious female botanist. She uncovers an anonymous poem on Linnaean botany and subsequently traces the development of a new genre of women’s writing--the botanical poem with scientific notes.”—Amazon.com
  

• Dr. James Watson to Speak at Bobst, April 30, 2008

  Women on Women (WoW), the NYU Department of Chemistry, and the New York University Libraries invite you to attend a special event on April 30, 2008.

  Join James D. Watson for a discussion of his latest book, Avoid Boring People: Lessons from a Life in Science.

  

  Wednesday, April 30, 2008
  Presentation and Q & A Session 4-5 pm
  Reception 5-5:30 pm
  Fales Reading Room, Bobst Library, Third Floor
  70 Washington Square South

  James D. Watson received the 1962 Nobel Prize with Francis Crick for describing the DNA double helix structure. He is a recipient of the National Medal of Science and the Presidential Medal of Freedom, member of many prestigious societies such as the National Academy of Science and the Royal Society, and past head of the publicly-funded Human Genome Project.

  
  Hosted by:
  Tamar Schlick: NYU Professor in Chemistry, Mathematics, and Computer Science
  Carol A. Mandel: Dean of NYU’s Division of Libraries
  Kara M. Whatley: Head, Coles Science Center, NYU Division of Libraries

  All NYU faculty, students, staff, and community guests are welcome to attend this free event. Kindly RSVP to Liz at 212-992-7050 or rsvp@library.nyu.edu.

  Funding from the Mathematical Association of America (Tensor Award for WoW) and the NYU Provost’s Office is gratefully acknowledged.

• Coles Science Salon: New York City's Trans Fat

  The Spring 2008 Coles Science Salon was a great success, thanks to our speaker David Schleifer!

  David, a PhD candidate in NYU's Department of Sociology, spoke on how cities “do” science to inform urban policy, using New York City's trans fat ban as his case study.

  To read David's talking notes from his presentation entitled, CityTech: Urban Science and New York’s Trans Fat, scroll through them here:

  Download file
  
  
  Below are some photos from the event:
  
  
  

  Thanks to all who attended! We look forward to seeing you at our next Science Salon in the fall.

  In the meantime, please stop by the Coles Science Center on the 9th floor of Bobst to check out our display on the science, technology, and health of trans fat.