- Email: [email protected]
Coherent semiconductor optics
BOOKS & MEDIA UPDATE
Mechanosensing and Mechanochemical Transduction in Extracellular Matrix Frederick H. Silver Springer • 2006 • 296 pp ISBN: 0-387-25631-8 $79.95 / £48.50 / 62.95 This book describes the structure of biopolymers and how these molecules are put together to make the tissues of the body. Their role in surgical implants and in structural diseases is also covered. The book is aimed at biomedical researchers interested in gaining an understanding as to how physical forces affect the cells, tissues, and organs of the human body.
Organic Light-Emitting Materials and Devices Zhigang Li and Hong Meng Taylor & Francis CRC Press • 2006 696 pp • ISBN: 1-57-444574-X $139.95 / £79.99 / 118.50 The current understanding of molecular design in the area of light-emitting organic materials is presented in this book. It reveals the most stable and efficient electroluminescent materials and the potential for future applications. The methods used for microstructural characterization, performance measurement, and defect analysis are also described. Later chapters discuss the patent status of organic light-emitting materials and the challenges facing future developments from both academic and industrial perspectives.
Coherent Semiconductor Optics
1001 tales of Islam’s successes A new guidebook to the achievements of Arabic and Muslim societies from the 7th to 17th centuries inspires with its colorful record of important scientific discoveries. Michaela Kendall-Cangul | Uludag University, Turkey | [email protected] The colorful book, 1001 Inventions: Muslim Heritage in Our World, is perfect for those who wish to be inspired by human achievement or reflect on an unfamiliar history. The book is purposefully imbalanced, defining many key Muslim characters and discoveries in history. Detail is not possible in this vast list of inventions (nominally 1001), but the reader is given a real sense of the significance of each key moment. Arabian and Muslim societies are presented as the informers and intellectual forebears of present-day Europe. Scientific and technical development owes much to Islam, the book says. As one may expect in such a celebratory record, many of the facts are presented in a refreshing but biased way. The book certainly puts beyond question the great contributions made by followers of Islam to scientific, medical, and social development, but the religious emphasis actually encompasses a complex record of achievement during successive empires in Anatolia and the Middle East. The book touches on discoveries that now routinely enable our daily lives, making this a very accessible read. Contributions to architecture, astronomy, agriculture, education, engineering, mathematics, medicine, and public health are all listed here. Parallel global discoveries are discussed and the likely interactions of scholars are also described.
This book introduces the basic theoretical concepts required for analysis of the optical response of semiconductor systems in the coherent regime. Beginning with discrete-level systems, the text’s increasing complexity is gradual as subjects such as band structure and many-particle interactions are discussed.
One of the most familiar examples relating religion to development is the elevation of ceramics to high art in Muslim societies. Combining different metals in glazes led to unique glaze characteristics requiring significant technical ability now rumored to be lost. By the 14th century, Ottoman Turks had all but perfected the production of cobalt blue glaze, and turquoise and green from copper. Iznik pottery remains a classical art because of its exquisite quality and decoration. Likewise, Syria, Egypt, and Iraq developed immense expertise in glassmaking. These technical achievements are synonymous with Islam and recognizable to this day.
Expert Graduate Undergraduate
In medicine, Ibn Sina (known as Avicenna in the West) stands out as a visionary of limitless curiosity and rigorous discipline. He wrote in many branches of science during the 11th century, but is still known as
T. Meier, P. Thomas, S. W. Koch Springer • 2007 • 319 pp ISBN: 3-540-32554-9 $79.95 / £46.00 / 59.95
Doctor of Doctors in modern-day Islamic countries. An early Islamic Leonardo da Vinci, his work remains vital and awe inspiring today. Jabir ibn Hayyan (also known as Geber) also stands out for his contributions. In 8th century Iraq, he approached chemistry systematically and experimented widely in astronomy, philosophy, and medicine. Al Kindi worked on the effectiveness of medicinal compounds, and developed dose-response relationships in the 9th century. In the 9th-10th centuries, Al Razi wrote on disease, the preparation of chemical substances, and their application in medicine. My favorite quote in the book comes from a king, Khalid Ibn Yazid Ibn Mu’awiyah, who gave up his throne in the 8th century to follow a more noble pursuit in chemistry to “enrich my colleagues and brothers”. It is comical to imagine this occurring today, but this theme actually resonates with my own experience. On being asked to talk about their favorite scientist or medic, more than half of my Turkish medical students chose legends from the Islamic world, all of whom feature in Salim T. S. Al-Hassani (ed.)
1001 Inventions: Muslim Heritage in Our World Foundation for Science Technology and Civilisation • 2006 350 pp • ISBN: 0-955-24260-6 • £25
this book. They spoke with passion about their hero’s discoveries. Religious references peppered their talks, underpinning their pride and connecting the speaker to the legend. Islam inspires these students to become educated for their community, encouraging personal development in those who have already achieved significant academic success. Ibn Sina and Al Razi remain immensely popular figures a millennium after their activity. After all, we are all fascinated by past civilizations with which we connect. The book succeeds in its aim to raise awareness and inspire. It makes one appreciate more fully the contributions of the Muslim world, not because one ever doubted it, but because the passage of time has obscured specifics. This book provides an easily accessible and enjoyable opportunity to learn more.
NOVEMBER 2006 | VOLUME 9 | NUMBER 11
57
Mechanosensing and Mechanochemical Transduction in Extracellular Matrix Frederick H. Silver Springer • 2006 • 296 pp ISBN: 0-387-25631-8 $79.95 / £48.50 / 62.95 This book describes the structure of biopolymers and how these molecules are put together to make the tissues of the body. Their role in surgical implants and in structural diseases is also covered. The book is aimed at biomedical researchers interested in gaining an understanding as to how physical forces affect the cells, tissues, and organs of the human body.
Organic Light-Emitting Materials and Devices Zhigang Li and Hong Meng Taylor & Francis CRC Press • 2006 696 pp • ISBN: 1-57-444574-X $139.95 / £79.99 / 118.50 The current understanding of molecular design in the area of light-emitting organic materials is presented in this book. It reveals the most stable and efficient electroluminescent materials and the potential for future applications. The methods used for microstructural characterization, performance measurement, and defect analysis are also described. Later chapters discuss the patent status of organic light-emitting materials and the challenges facing future developments from both academic and industrial perspectives.
Coherent Semiconductor Optics
1001 tales of Islam’s successes A new guidebook to the achievements of Arabic and Muslim societies from the 7th to 17th centuries inspires with its colorful record of important scientific discoveries. Michaela Kendall-Cangul | Uludag University, Turkey | [email protected] The colorful book, 1001 Inventions: Muslim Heritage in Our World, is perfect for those who wish to be inspired by human achievement or reflect on an unfamiliar history. The book is purposefully imbalanced, defining many key Muslim characters and discoveries in history. Detail is not possible in this vast list of inventions (nominally 1001), but the reader is given a real sense of the significance of each key moment. Arabian and Muslim societies are presented as the informers and intellectual forebears of present-day Europe. Scientific and technical development owes much to Islam, the book says. As one may expect in such a celebratory record, many of the facts are presented in a refreshing but biased way. The book certainly puts beyond question the great contributions made by followers of Islam to scientific, medical, and social development, but the religious emphasis actually encompasses a complex record of achievement during successive empires in Anatolia and the Middle East. The book touches on discoveries that now routinely enable our daily lives, making this a very accessible read. Contributions to architecture, astronomy, agriculture, education, engineering, mathematics, medicine, and public health are all listed here. Parallel global discoveries are discussed and the likely interactions of scholars are also described.
This book introduces the basic theoretical concepts required for analysis of the optical response of semiconductor systems in the coherent regime. Beginning with discrete-level systems, the text’s increasing complexity is gradual as subjects such as band structure and many-particle interactions are discussed.
One of the most familiar examples relating religion to development is the elevation of ceramics to high art in Muslim societies. Combining different metals in glazes led to unique glaze characteristics requiring significant technical ability now rumored to be lost. By the 14th century, Ottoman Turks had all but perfected the production of cobalt blue glaze, and turquoise and green from copper. Iznik pottery remains a classical art because of its exquisite quality and decoration. Likewise, Syria, Egypt, and Iraq developed immense expertise in glassmaking. These technical achievements are synonymous with Islam and recognizable to this day.
Expert Graduate Undergraduate
In medicine, Ibn Sina (known as Avicenna in the West) stands out as a visionary of limitless curiosity and rigorous discipline. He wrote in many branches of science during the 11th century, but is still known as
T. Meier, P. Thomas, S. W. Koch Springer • 2007 • 319 pp ISBN: 3-540-32554-9 $79.95 / £46.00 / 59.95
Doctor of Doctors in modern-day Islamic countries. An early Islamic Leonardo da Vinci, his work remains vital and awe inspiring today. Jabir ibn Hayyan (also known as Geber) also stands out for his contributions. In 8th century Iraq, he approached chemistry systematically and experimented widely in astronomy, philosophy, and medicine. Al Kindi worked on the effectiveness of medicinal compounds, and developed dose-response relationships in the 9th century. In the 9th-10th centuries, Al Razi wrote on disease, the preparation of chemical substances, and their application in medicine. My favorite quote in the book comes from a king, Khalid Ibn Yazid Ibn Mu’awiyah, who gave up his throne in the 8th century to follow a more noble pursuit in chemistry to “enrich my colleagues and brothers”. It is comical to imagine this occurring today, but this theme actually resonates with my own experience. On being asked to talk about their favorite scientist or medic, more than half of my Turkish medical students chose legends from the Islamic world, all of whom feature in Salim T. S. Al-Hassani (ed.)
1001 Inventions: Muslim Heritage in Our World Foundation for Science Technology and Civilisation • 2006 350 pp • ISBN: 0-955-24260-6 • £25
this book. They spoke with passion about their hero’s discoveries. Religious references peppered their talks, underpinning their pride and connecting the speaker to the legend. Islam inspires these students to become educated for their community, encouraging personal development in those who have already achieved significant academic success. Ibn Sina and Al Razi remain immensely popular figures a millennium after their activity. After all, we are all fascinated by past civilizations with which we connect. The book succeeds in its aim to raise awareness and inspire. It makes one appreciate more fully the contributions of the Muslim world, not because one ever doubted it, but because the passage of time has obscured specifics. This book provides an easily accessible and enjoyable opportunity to learn more.
NOVEMBER 2006 | VOLUME 9 | NUMBER 11
57