Chemical Education Today
The Five Biggest Ideas in Science Charles M. Wynn and Arthur W. Wiggins, with cartoon commentary by Sidney Harris. Wiley: New York, 1997. 200 pp, index. Paper, U.S. $14.95 (Canada $20.95); ISBN 0-47113812-6. Things should be made as simple as possible, but no simpler. A. Einstein
The Five Biggest Ideas in Science boils all of science down to five important ideas, which are sandwiched between discussions of the scientific method. I found it engaging, but generally felt that the authors were talking down to their audience. This was particularly egregious at the beginning of Chapter 4, in which several incorrect ideas of the shape and composition of the earth were presented with audible sniggers. While The Five Biggest Ideas in Science seems in-
tended as a textbook for “science literacy” courses, the theme is the scientific method itself. No opportunity is lost to use the “five ideas” as springboards to discussions of the character of the scientific enterprise. The last chapter is a detailed presentation of risk–benefit analysis, with several examples. This chapter, coupled with the discussion of the scientific method and the forty “idea folders” that present one-page blurbs on specific aspects of the topics discussed, are invaluable. By and large, Wynn and Wiggins successfully tread the fine line pointed out by Einstein. The Five Biggest Ideas in Science is suitable as a text or companion to a one-term high-school or college science literacy course. Its most valuable aspects are its discussion of the scientific method and its engaging style. Daniel Berger Department of Chemistry, Bluffton College, Bluffton, OH 45817-1196
Vol. 74 No. 6 June 1997 • Journal of Chemical Education
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