Physics, the Human Adventure is the third edition of the classic text Introduction to Concepts and Theories in Physical Science. Authored by Gerald Holton, the text was a landmark in science education. It was the first modern textbook in physics (or in any other science) to make full and effective use of the history and philosophy of science in presenting for both the general and the science-oriented student an account of the nature of physical science. A second edition, prepared by Stephen G. Brush, brought the book up to date by increasing the coverage of topics in modern physics and by taking account of recent scholarly research in the history of science.<P>In the new book Physics, The Human Adventure, each of the chapters has been reworked to further clarify the physics concepts and to incorporate recent physical advances and research. The book shows the unifying power of science by bringing in connections to chemistry, astronomy, and geoscience. In short, the aid of the new edition is to teach good physics while presenting physical science as a human adventure that has become a major force in our civilization.<P>New chapters discuss theories of the origin of the solar system and the expanding universe; fission, fusion, and the Big Bang — Steady State Controversy; and thematic elements and styles in scientific thought.

A textbook for a course of two semesters or three quarters in a general education or core program, primarily for non-science majors whose background in mathematics extends up to but not including calculus. It uses the history of physics and those who practiced it to introduce its fundamental principles. The original edition, called Introduction to Concepts and Theories in Physical Science, was published in 1952 by Addison-Wesley, as was the 1972 second, though Princeton University Press put out a paper edition of that in 1985.
Annotation c. Book News, Inc., Portland, OR (booknews.com)

Includes bibliographical references (p. [555]-558) and index.