Eurekas and Euphorias

A well-written compilation of some 180 episodes in the history of science illustrating the foibles and experiences of scientists from Archimedes on. The format means that an entry may expand into an account of various different episodes in the life of the person concerned - for instance the achievements of Mme du Chatelet in the 18th century, her relationship with Voltaire, and how she compares with other prodigious women thinkers. There is both a subject and a persons index which makes for quite easy tracking but the titles often give little away and rarely refer to the scientist in question - it might have been easier to list the scientist(s) in the title. However the book is as informative as it is entertaining and should find a place in every library.