Scientific American Library series

Explores the nature of stars and describes the current knowledge of their origin, variety, distribution, and distinctive histories.

Examines the abilities and behavior of bees and their uses by mankind through the ages as well as how they communicate and make decisions.

Discusses the properties and composition of sand as a clue in understanding the dynamics of the earth's surface.

Discusses how the use of new advanced equipment, chemical analyses, and sampling strategies in archeology have helped to gain a better understanding of past civilizations. The author uses the study of the Maya as a test case to demonstrate this transformation of archeology.

Portrays the structures of the substances that make up our everyday world.

Analyzes the roles of microorganisms, plants, animals, and humans in the biogeochemical cycle, highlighting the ways in which humans are harming the environment and exploring what can be done to help maintain balance in the biosphere.

Gives an overview of current research on sleep and dreams.

Describes how and why scientists trace seismic activity and measure the extent and patterns of seismic waves, illustrating how basic geological lessons are learned.

Investigates the interrelationship of the ecological processes that accommodate diversity and the evolutionary processes that generate it.

Presents an analysis of mass extinction and investigates what the storehouse of rock and fossil tell about their origins, progress, and implications.