Since the Enlightenment, there has been a general belief that science and technology are, on balance, positive forces. More recently, however, there has been what Gerald Holton calls a "Romantic rebellion" against science, a tendency to think of it as evil. Holton, a leading physicist and historian of science at Harvard University, tries to make the debate about the rightful place of science in our culture "more understandable — first, by baring its historical roots and then by focusing, as a concrete example, on Albert Einstein's profound and lasting impact on our civilization" (p. ix).

Holton considers the public image of science, the evolution of trust in its findings, and the role in scientific discovery of imagination, intuition, and the other cognitive factors which are usually omitted from canonical descriptions of the scientific method. He shows a broad and tolerant view of the ways investigations can get started. It seems clear, though, that before the curtain falls, he wants experiments, measurements, and the testing of hypotheses.

Holton considers various aspects of Einstein's thought and work against the background of his sometimes-troubled personal life. Holton does this in order to highlight the fact that Einstein nonetheless remains the best exemplar of the scientific viewpoint and method in our century. He does not paint Einstein as larger than life, but plainly stands in awe of his intellect, his humility in the face of nature's mysteries, and other aspects of his mind and character. One chapter is devoted to Einstein's attempts to describe his own thought processes. The discoverer of relativity could not go terribly far, though, in passing along his "secrets" to other investigators. Much of his advice boils down to "Get the right ideas." But how does one do this? It's simple: Be a genius.

This volume does not presuppose extensive scientific background in the reader, although such background will certainly help. Overall, this is an accessible book. Sources are cited where needed, and there is an excellent bibliography.

Holton makes many a good point, such as the tendency of critics to confuse the social misuses of scientific findings with science itself. Knowing how to split atoms is good; using knowledge to make bombs is bad. Unfortunately, his treatment stops short of answering some important, related questions: What place does he see in the epistemological spectrum for faith, philosophy, and other alternatives to science for wrestling with other kinds of issues? What chances does he see for experimental treatment of some problems that are now considered off-limits by many scientists?

Holton accomplishes what he sets out to do and brings tremendous erudition and a lively sense of related social realities to the task. His book is well worth any intellectually curious reader's time.

Robert B. Nordberg
Prof. Emeritus of Education
Marquette University
999 East Quarles Place (home)
Fox Point, WI 53217

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