Martin Gardner, author of numerous books on science, mathematics, and philosophy, has assembled thirty-four brilliant essays by enminent philosophers, scientists and writers that deal with fundamental aspects of modern science. As Gardner makes clear in his preface, his intent is not to teach the reader science or to report on the latest trends and discoveries. Rather, the purpose of this book is to spread before the reader, whether his of her interest in science be passionate or mild, a sumptuous feast of great writing - absorbing, thought-provoking pieces that have something to say about science and say it forcibly well. Gardner's entertaining biographical commentaries make Great Essays in Science a rich store of good reading and on an informal history of the man and ideas that have shaped our culture and transformed our everyday lives.