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Our Cosmic Origins - From The Big Bang to the Emergence of Life And Intelligence
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Our Cosmic Origins From the Big Bang to the Emergence of Life and Intelligence Armand H. Delsemme University of Toldeo Christian de Duve Price: AUD$27.95 Status Available             Bindings: Paperback Date of Publication: 25/1/2001 Bibliographic Description: 2001 228 x 152 mm 320pages 30 line diagrams 17 half-tones 9 tables This book traces the remarkable story of the emergence of life and intelligence right through the complex evolutionary history of the Universe. The author deftly weaves together cosmology, astronomy, geology, biochemistry, and biology and examines topics including how stars and planets were born, how the first bacteria evolved, the development of intelligence, and our chances of contacting alien life. This provocative book provides the general reader with an accessible and wide-ranging account of how life evolved on Earth and how likely it is to exist elsewhere in the Universe. Contents Preface Christian de Duve; Foreword; 1. Locating man in the universe; 2. The race towards complexity; 3. The stellar alchemy of metals; 4. The formation of the planets; 5. Emergence of life; 6. History of life; 7. Awakening of intelligence; 8. The other worlds; 9. Perspectives; Appendices; Glossary; References; Name index; Subject index. Key Features Internationally-renowned author, especially for his research on comets Multidisciplinary - weaves together cosmology, astronomy, geology, biochemistry and biology Aimed at New Scientist-type reader (quantitative throughout, but uses no maths) `I know of no other book that covers in such detail for a popular audience the grand sweep of cosmic evolution from the Big Bang to homo sapiens. Readers will find here an answer to the age-old question of our place in the universe as understood by modern science.´ Steven J. Dick, US Naval Observatory, Washington 'I am struck with admiration at the ... enclyclopedic knowledge condensed into this exceptional [book].' Gerard de Vaucoulers, University of Texas,Austin 'A thrilling book, a masterpiece...' Audouin Dollfus, former President of the Societe Astronomique de France 'Armand Delsemme's book is - by far - the best I have ever read on the subject.' Henri Mertens, former director of the European Broadcasting Union 'We could not recommend this book too highly. Armand Delsemme is a wonderful story-teller.' Le Soir (Brussells)