The Encyclopedia of discovery and invention

Describes the history and development of the computer and discusses how it works and how it is used in various human activities.

Discusses the history of plastics, its use, and its effect on the economy and the environment.

Traces the development of the automobile and its effects on civilization over time.

Traces the history and development of anesthesia, from the days before anesthetics were discovered, to the modern age and a look at the future.

Traces the history of vaccines from the first vaccine, to the work of Louis Pasteur, to the hazards of immunization, to vaccines today.

Traces past and present theories of human origins and evolution and discusses fossil discoveries and their significance.

Discusses the history and development of genetic research, the discovery of the gene, the relationship between genes and disease, genetic engineering, the ethics of this kind of research, forensic genetics, and the future.

Examines early concepts of time; describes devices for measuring time and the improvements in their technology; and discusses how measured time has shaped our concepts of work and leisure.

Discusses the history, development, and technology of the steam engine and railroads; examines the decline of rail transport in the United States; and describes the growth of railroads in Europe and Japan, focusing on high-speed trains and magnetic levitation.