When I set out to write a book about the natural history of breasts, I knew I'd have to answer some awkward questions about my book topic. At a...
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This is the fascinating story of the expedition that attempted to measure the length of the meridian passing through Paris, in order to determine a precise definition of the meter.
The expedition started in 1792, when Louis XVI was still (barely) on the throne of France, and ended in 1799, after the Terror, and slightly before the rise of Napoleon.
The author provides copious details of the difficulties faced by the two astronomers Delambre and Mechain. The excellent writing provides a personalized view of conditions existing all through this incredibly hard time.
The book ends with a short history of the adoption of the metric system throughout the world, with the U.S.A. conspicuously the last major country not to have converted.
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(2 of 3 readers found this comment helpful)
Excellent photographs, sensible and readable text, and a highly useful approach to shorebird identification.
Mini-quizzes throughout the book allow you to practice.
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(4 of 4 readers found this comment helpful)
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Customer Comments
tostrand has commented on (2) products.
The Measure of All Things: The Seven-Year Odyssey and Hidden Error That Transformed the World by Ken Alder
tostrand, February 11, 2009
This is the fascinating story of the expedition that attempted to measure the length of the meridian passing through Paris, in order to determine a precise definition of the meter.The expedition started in 1792, when Louis XVI was still (barely) on the throne of France, and ended in 1799, after the Terror, and slightly before the rise of Napoleon.
The author provides copious details of the difficulties faced by the two astronomers Delambre and Mechain. The excellent writing provides a personalized view of conditions existing all through this incredibly hard time.
The book ends with a short history of the adoption of the metric system throughout the world, with the U.S.A. conspicuously the last major country not to have converted.
(2 of 3 readers found this comment helpful)
The Shorebird Guide by Michael Obrien
tostrand, July 16, 2008
Excellent photographs, sensible and readable text, and a highly useful approach to shorebird identification.Mini-quizzes throughout the book allow you to practice.
(4 of 4 readers found this comment helpful)