the large-scale structure of the universe, the formation of the solar system. Addressed in turn are the properties and origin of the elements. The treatment is, of course, not comprehensive but rather provides an overall structure of current knowledge, punctuated by detailed examinations of questions either still controversial or whose resolution has been particularly important. The major subdivisions are Cosmos, Earth, Life and Man. The book is aimed at educated laypersons with basic scientific literacy. Cloud, a biogeologist, gives a spirited overview of scientific knowledge by means of vignettes ranging from the structure of the universe and the origin of elements to the ascendence of Homo Sapiens and the survival problems facing the species. Overall, the book is likely to be of rather limited interest to nonspecialists. The book ends with a brief review of areas of physics that can be expected to bear fruit in the future, such as high energy physics, controlled fusion, high temperature semiconductors. The laws and principles of conservation and symmetry that permeate scientific formalism as well as the importance of recent discoveries in subatomic physics and cosmology are addressed.

An extensive discussion of the validity of dialectic materialism, as opposed to Machist Idealism and neo-Thomism, is followed by chapters on the role and characteristics of scientific concepts. Gott, a philosopher, begins with an autobiographical chapter that establishes his orthodoxy and asserts the primacy of Marxist-Leninist thought. Both authors insist, from a rather different perspective, that a scientist's focus on the generality of experience ought to be intertwined with the focus on its uniqueness to humans provided by the societal or the philosophical context. For Cloud it is that the quiltwork of our knowledge of the universe and our species' place in it will be completed within the framework he describes. In the case of Gott, it is the faith that the inexhaustible supply of questions provided by scientific inquiry will continue to be answerable or 'knowable'. Based on their life experiences, both authors are strongly optimistic that the scientific principles that have guided them will continue to be applied successfully. Malina* These two books are vigorous statements by scientists with long and distinguished careers behind them. Cosmos, Earth and Man: A Short History of the Universe. (Imported Publications, Inc., Chicago) 253 pp.

This Amazing, Amazing, Amazing but Knowable Universe. Those who would like to be added to Leonardo's panel of reviewers should write to the Founder-Editor, indicating their particular interests. In general, only books in English and in French can be reviewed at this stage. BOOKS Readers are invited to recommend books to be reviewed. In lieu of an abstract, here is a brief excerpt of the content:

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