A Brief History of Creation: Science and the Search for the Origin of Life by Bill Mesler (PDF)

Description

The epic story of the scientists through the ages who have sought answers to life’s biggest mystery: How did it begin?In this essential and illuminating history of Western science, Bill Mesler and H. James Cleaves II seek to answer the most crucial question in science: How did life begin? They trace the trials and triumphs of the iconoclastic scientists who have sought to solve the mystery, from Darwin’s theory of evolution to Crick and Watson’s unveiling of DNA. This fascinating exploration not only examines the origin-of-life question, but also interrogates the very nature of scientific discovery and objectivity. 15 illustrations

User’s Reviews

Editorial Reviews: Review “A fascinating, fast-paced tour through the ages of how some of the greatest minds and characters in history have pondered one of the greatest questions in science…[A] rich, masterfully woven tale of our still-evolving ideas about life and how it came to be.” ― Sean B. Carroll, author of Brave Genius and Remarkable Creatures”Far more accurate and up-to-date than any previous work targeted to the general public.” ― James Strick, Science”A wonderful new history of debates about the origin of life.” ― Adam Frank, NPR”Thoroughly engaging…An absorbing account…A Brief History of Creation reveals as much about the process of science as it does about the puzzle of the origin of life. That’s no mean achievement.” ― John Farrell, Wall Street Journal”A well-written and lively account of the science and history behind one of the most fascinating questions in science―how animate matter emerged from inanimate matter―enriched by engaging portraits of the scientists involved and a feel for the very human scientific enterprise at work.” ― Alan Lightman, Professor of the Practice of the Humanities, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, and author of Einstein’s Dreams”A joyous and infinitely readable history of our ongoing quest to know how we came to be. Mesler and Cleaves elegantly narrate the evolution of philosophical and scientific inquiry, infusing the subject with all the dramatic intrigue it deserves and bringing historical figures to life as vividly as characters in a novel. A thrilling read.” ― Nina Siegal, author of The Anatomy Lesson”With fully accessible and engaging prose, artfully weaving history, philosophy, and science, Bill Mesler and H. James Cleaves II tell what is perhaps the greatest of all scientific stories, the quest to understand the origin of life.” ― Marcelo Gleiser, Appleton Professor of Natural Philosophy, Dartmouth College, and author of The Island of Knowledge About the Author Bill Mesler is the coauthor of A Brief History of Creation. He lives in Washington, DC.H. James Cleaves II is vice president of the International Society for the Study of the Origin of Life, a professor at the Earth-Life Science Institute in Tokyo, and a visiting scholar at the Institute for Advanced Study in Princeton, New Jersey. He lives in Washington, DC.

Reviews from Amazon users which were colected at the time this book was published on the website:

⭐I bought this book thinking I was buying a book that was going to discuss a detailed modern scientific theory regarding the origins of the first life on Earth. However, after reading this book, I realized that it was not what I expected. “A Brief History of Creation” deals little with the science of abiogenesis, and focuses more on the history of the search for the origins of life. This was very interesting; it talked about the ancient beliefs of spontaneous generation all the way to the Miller/Urey experiment with a reducing atmosphere (without going too much the scientific details of their experiment, and focusing more on its context in scientific history). I was looking for a book that actually provides a theoretical framework based on modern discoveries on the most likely way life began, and this book just wasn’t what I was looking for. Regardless, this was a very good book, and it was worth a read, especially if you are someone interested in scientific history. If you are like me, and want a book that is less historical and more scientific I would suggest “The Vital Question” by Nick Lane.

⭐A fascinating account of the search to understand how life began on earth. For people who are disappointed at the level of scientific illiteracy in America (a large proportion do not believe in evolution), this should seem to be a beacon of light. I bought six copies and distributed them to six teenagers hoping to influence their thinking. I encourage others to do the same.

⭐Excellent book on how humanity thought life was all about from early days till present. From religious points of view to modern science. Elusive in fundamental definition of what life really is, this book hones in on it’s very essence. Wonderful book for the inquisitive. Highly recommended.

⭐An interesting book. It is basically a history of Biology as seen from essentially one point of view, but that point of view enables the author to bring in most of the major personalities in biology. However I felt that too much time was spent on the really early speculations about the origin of life and not enough on the most recent information. For example, there is no discussion of the quantum evolution speculation, which I felt deserved at least mention.

⭐I read this book last year and found it very well written and very scientifically educational and ordered these copies of the book for my children for Christmas.

⭐Very well-written book on science history

⭐i am not a scientist. however, the book answered my question: when and how did life begin? i understand the point of the Book of Genesis.I think I understand the point of A Brief History….Well worth the investment. CMC

⭐Have not finished yet. So far i am please with and will finish it. Already have learned much think it will continue

⭐This is a really good and interesting book in terms of science an the people involved. Wrll worth reading or listening to on Audible.

⭐This is not, as the title promises, an actual history of creation, but a recounting of the scientific thinking about the appearance of life prevalent over the centuries. It offers very little insight into current thinking or experimentation into the question. Nevertheless, a good read.

⭐Excellent read

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