First published in 1989. This book is designed to be an introduction to Ore microscopy, which is the traditional name for the study of opaque minerals using a polarising ‘incident light’ microscope. It is also known as reflected light microscopy. It has applications in the fields of mineralogy, economic geology, mineral dressing, metallurgy and in the study of igneous, metamorphic and sedimentary rocks which contain opaque minerals. Although mineral identification is an important aspect of...

A History Of Life On Earth, is a guided tour from the beginning of time until modern times. Taking the reader from the origins of everything, without which life on Earth would not be possible. To the origins of life, through the different Eons and Geological Periods, explaining the diversifications and adaptations of all life. A History Of Life On Earth presents the scientific evidence and explains the origins of that evidence. The Earth has also gone through various changes, ideal conditi...

This vintage book contains an interesting and practical study of the identification of gemstones, pearls, and ornamental minerals. A comprehensive and profusely-illustrated handbook for both novice and experienced practitioners, this volume is not to be missed by anyone with a keen interest in the subject. The chapters of this book include: “Crystallography”, “Physical Properties”, “Specific Gravity”, “Light”, “Measurement of Refractive Index”, “Colour in Gem Distinction”, “The Microscope”...

How did life begin? What really was 'snowball earth'? Why did the dinosaurs go extinct? Are we all descended from 'African Eve'? Will humans be responsible for the next major extinction? All these are addressed in this fascinating book. The story unfolds with the formation of the earth around four thousand million years ago, though it took until after massive bombardment by asteroids a hundred million years later for life to emerge and another fifteen million years until more complex life ...

There are few stories more remarkable than the evolution of life on earth. This Very Short Introduction presents a succinct guide to the key episodes in that story - from the very origins of life four million years ago to the extraordinary diversity of species around the globe today. Beginning with an explanation of the controversies surrounding the birth of life itself, each following chapter tells of a major breakthrough that made new forms of life possible: including sex and mu...

The acclaimed science writer "curates a visually striking, riotously colorful photographic display…of physical patterns in the natural world" ( Publishers Weekly, starred review).Though at first glance the natural world may appear overwhelming in its diversity and complexity, there are regularities running through it, from the hexagons of a honeycomb to the spirals of a seashell and the branching veins of a leaf. Revealing the order at the foundation of th...

This early work on mineralogy and petrography is both expensive and hard to find in its first edition. It contains details on polarizing microscopes, mineral determination, igneous rock types, geological mapping and much more. This is a fascinating work and is thoroughly recommended for anyone interested in geology. Many of the earliest books, particularly those dating back to the 1900s and before, are now extremely scarce. We are republishing these classic works in affordable, high qualit...

Questions about the Earth continue to haunt engineers. For instance: What do we know about our ancient planet? How should we be using it? And what are the best technologies and strategies to sustain us?Earth Engineering provides the background necessary to analyze these questions as well as perspectives, principles, and practices to guide your understanding of geoengineering problems. Scientists, engineers, regulators, designers, constructors, educators and students will find this ...

"A splendid introduction to geology and paleontology for the lay reader. To compress Earth's history into a single, lucidly written volume is a major achievement." —Publishers Weekly, starred review"Few people have both the knowledge and the writing ability to capture such a long and varied history in a compelling manner. In A Short History of Planet Earth, J.D. Macdougal demonstrates that he is one of the few." —Earth

Mapping closely to how ore deposit geology is now taught, this textbook systematically describes and illustrates the major ore deposit types, linking this to their settings in the crust and the geological factors behind their formation. Written for advanced undergraduate and graduate students with a basic background in the geosciences, it provides a balance of practical information and coverage of the relevant geological sciences, including petrological, geochemical, hydrological and tecto...

Which species of moth was nearly killed off by the fight for cleaner air? How does a cow's bottom contribute to global warming? Could warmer mean colder? All these questions and more are answered in 'Global Warming: A Very Peculiar History'. This book arms you with an introduction to the scientific concepts behind global warming then hits you hard with the bizarre and at times disputed facts that go along with the theory. 'Global Warming, A Very Peculiar History' includes information on th...

'Hurray for Mackenzie and Guilford for at last we have a pictorial guide to the rock-forming minerals! . . . such feasts of colour in mineralogy books are rare . . . an admirable guide' New Scientist