Life
and Energy is one of Isaac Asimov's most famous
and popular scientific books for the layman. It was first published
in 1962, and remains a popular introduction to science today.
Life
and Energy is about the biological and physical world, and
their contrasts and comparisons. The first chapters deal with
the common questions of the distinctions between living and inanimate
objects. This is very simply and clearly explained. Asimov then
tells step by step about the physical world first through slow,
but interesting chapters. He writes about the effect and major
role of the evolution and advance of man by fire and heat, he
tells about thermodynamics (and its laws), he recollects the thoughts
of previous scientists, and their painstaking works, and finally,
the quantum theory and radiation, which has revolutionised physics
and technology. An explanation of electricity and basic chemistry
laws and features are also included. The physical section ends
here, and continues into biology.
He
now continues on with special chemistry, and leaves behind physics.
From this, the book leads into the functions of enzymes, amino
acids, cells, the body as a whole, and the process of the cells
and organs to work together to become one. At some stages, a relationship
of the physical and biological world is mentioned. Near the end,
a summary is given of everything told in the book. Apart from
science, the book deals with all other things. These are good
aids for novices, and also intermediates.
