Thank you for a REAL FUN chemistry book, 01 Aug 2008
The author, Mr. Thompson, obviously loves the subject, and yes, darn it, chemistry should be "fun", a little dangerous and educational.
I share the author's lament over the passing of a "proper" chemistry set. The one I had as a kid contained all the "no-no's" (or should I say KNO, KNO3!)
In that day you could go to the chemist and buy all manner of chemicals "off the shelf".
At school we made rockets (after school hours, I had a terrific Chemistry Master.....
Now my Son wants to learn, we home ed.... this book gives me the chance to "teach" or better "inspire" him:- That I did already, demonstrating the oxidizing qualities of KMnO4, innitially he smuggly goes yeah and.... then quite soon it's wow, how the heck did that happen?
With the chemistry sets of today you take two or more chemicals, mix them together and go "um er what's supposed to happen", as the chemicals just sit there, or if you are lucky change color!
An experiment has to DO something tangible. Thank you for a great book!

On an offside as it seems that we are being treated more and more like halfwits, perhaps we could have a "for dummies" line of chemistry sets, and then have a range that are designed for the responsible, and wanna b edjucaited majority!!

Thank you for a REAL FUN chemistry book, 01 Aug 2008
The author, Mr. Thompson, obviously loves the subject, and yes, darn it, chemistry should be "fun", a little dangerous and educational.
I share the author's lament over the passing of a "proper" chemistry set. The one I had as a kid contained all the "no-no's" (or should I say KNO, KNO3!)
In that day you could go to the chemist and buy all manner of chemicals "off the shelf".
At school we made rockets (after school hours, I had a terrific Chemistry Master.....
Now my Son wants to learn, we home ed.... this book gives me the chance to "teach" or better "inspire" him:- That I did already, demonstrating the oxidizing qualities of KMnO4, innitially he smuggly goes yeah and.... then quite soon it's wow, how the heck did that happen?
With the chemistry sets of today you take two or more chemicals, mix them together and go "um er what's supposed to happen", as the chemicals just sit there, or if you are lucky change color!
An experiment has to DO something tangible. Thank you for a great book!

On an offside as it seems that we are being treated more and more like halfwits, perhaps we could have a "for dummies" line of chemistry sets, and then have a range that are designed for the responsible, and wanna b edjucaited majority!!

Wonderful excitement filled projects, 06 Jan 2005
What a great change, to see a "science book" with the sort of projects and demonstrations that will interest children of all ages, and quite a lot of adults.

The "Vacuum bazooka" is an extremely powerful device - especially with a damned great wet/dry vacuum powering it. We used plastic 35mm film cannisters and got 100 feet (high) shots from ours.

The fluid amplifier project is also nicely messy, but a great demonstration of some basic (electronic) theory.

Highly recommended to those interested in practical science, with good theoretical backup and resources in the book.

Thank you for a REAL FUN chemistry book, 01 Aug 2008
The author, Mr. Thompson, obviously loves the subject, and yes, darn it, chemistry should be "fun", a little dangerous and educational.
I share the author's lament over the passing of a "proper" chemistry set. The one I had as a kid contained all the "no-no's" (or should I say KNO, KNO3!)
In that day you could go to the chemist and buy all manner of chemicals "off the shelf".
At school we made rockets (after school hours, I had a terrific Chemistry Master.....
Now my Son wants to learn, we home ed.... this book gives me the chance to "teach" or better "inspire" him:- That I did already, demonstrating the oxidizing qualities of KMnO4, innitially he smuggly goes yeah and.... then quite soon it's wow, how the heck did that happen?
With the chemistry sets of today you take two or more chemicals, mix them together and go "um er what's supposed to happen", as the chemicals just sit there, or if you are lucky change color!
An experiment has to DO something tangible. Thank you for a great book!

On an offside as it seems that we are being treated more and more like halfwits, perhaps we could have a "for dummies" line of chemistry sets, and then have a range that are designed for the responsible, and wanna b edjucaited majority!!

Wonderful excitement filled projects, 06 Jan 2005
What a great change, to see a "science book" with the sort of projects and demonstrations that will interest children of all ages, and quite a lot of adults.

The "Vacuum bazooka" is an extremely powerful device - especially with a damned great wet/dry vacuum powering it. We used plastic 35mm film cannisters and got 100 feet (high) shots from ours.

The fluid amplifier project is also nicely messy, but a great demonstration of some basic (electronic) theory.

Highly recommended to those interested in practical science, with good theoretical backup and resources in the book.

Well Thumbed!, 01 Nov 2008
I bought this book some time ago on the recommendation of my supervisor. I have now completed my MPhil on ICT in Physical Education. Having done the research 300 miles away from the university, this book was my first port of call over and above the internet. Although it lacks depth at times (It could not inform me of the significance of low r values for example), it sets you off on the right lines. I agree with the other review that states that this is a well written book. It is very clear to follow and understand the concepts. This was placed on top of my desk and I don't think a day went by without me needing to thumb through it.

Review of Research Methods in Physical Activity, 13 Feb 2003
This is a well written and fairly comprehensive book that manages to cover all aspects of research design, as well as statistical concepts. As a Sports Science student, I have found this book invaluable in pulling together the ideas and statistical concepts that are necessary for a student to have a good overview of this subject. It is written in a style that has included humour, which is a bonus in what is essentially quite a dry scientific subject. I have found this book to be of great help in understanding and becoming more competent in deciding what is an apropriate research design, and choosing the correct statistical test. I would recommend this book to any Sports Science student!

A must for physiotherapy reasearch and students, 16 Oct 2001
This book gives a clear definition on the way to go about setting up and carrying out a research project. Guides you step by step with easy to follow examples. It is excellent for post-grad work and should also be of value to the smarter undergrad student. Although the lengthy reading may seem boring it is in essence what research protocol is all about.

Thank you for a REAL FUN chemistry book, 01 Aug 2008
The author, Mr. Thompson, obviously loves the subject, and yes, darn it, chemistry should be "fun", a little dangerous and educational.
I share the author's lament over the passing of a "proper" chemistry set. The one I had as a kid contained all the "no-no's" (or should I say KNO, KNO3!)
In that day you could go to the chemist and buy all manner of chemicals "off the shelf".
At school we made rockets (after school hours, I had a terrific Chemistry Master.....
Now my Son wants to learn, we home ed.... this book gives me the chance to "teach" or better "inspire" him:- That I did already, demonstrating the oxidizing qualities of KMnO4, innitially he smuggly goes yeah and.... then quite soon it's wow, how the heck did that happen?
With the chemistry sets of today you take two or more chemicals, mix them together and go "um er what's supposed to happen", as the chemicals just sit there, or if you are lucky change color!
An experiment has to DO something tangible. Thank you for a great book!

On an offside as it seems that we are being treated more and more like halfwits, perhaps we could have a "for dummies" line of chemistry sets, and then have a range that are designed for the responsible, and wanna b edjucaited majority!!

Wonderful excitement filled projects, 06 Jan 2005
What a great change, to see a "science book" with the sort of projects and demonstrations that will interest children of all ages, and quite a lot of adults.

The "Vacuum bazooka" is an extremely powerful device - especially with a damned great wet/dry vacuum powering it. We used plastic 35mm film cannisters and got 100 feet (high) shots from ours.

The fluid amplifier project is also nicely messy, but a great demonstration of some basic (electronic) theory.

Highly recommended to those interested in practical science, with good theoretical backup and resources in the book.

Well Thumbed!, 01 Nov 2008
I bought this book some time ago on the recommendation of my supervisor. I have now completed my MPhil on ICT in Physical Education. Having done the research 300 miles away from the university, this book was my first port of call over and above the internet. Although it lacks depth at times (It could not inform me of the significance of low r values for example), it sets you off on the right lines. I agree with the other review that states that this is a well written book. It is very clear to follow and understand the concepts. This was placed on top of my desk and I don't think a day went by without me needing to thumb through it.

Review of Research Methods in Physical Activity, 13 Feb 2003
This is a well written and fairly comprehensive book that manages to cover all aspects of research design, as well as statistical concepts. As a Sports Science student, I have found this book invaluable in pulling together the ideas and statistical concepts that are necessary for a student to have a good overview of this subject. It is written in a style that has included humour, which is a bonus in what is essentially quite a dry scientific subject. I have found this book to be of great help in understanding and becoming more competent in deciding what is an apropriate research design, and choosing the correct statistical test. I would recommend this book to any Sports Science student!

A must for physiotherapy reasearch and students, 16 Oct 2001
This book gives a clear definition on the way to go about setting up and carrying out a research project. Guides you step by step with easy to follow examples. It is excellent for post-grad work and should also be of value to the smarter undergrad student. Although the lengthy reading may seem boring it is in essence what research protocol is all about.

Usual great style from Polar writer, 07 Mar 2008
A tiny museum in Castletownbere gave me an tantilising introduction to Tom Crean, and an Amazon search then introduced me to Michael Smith and The Unsung Hero. I just loved it - a wonderful heoric tale by a very skilled author, and having fallen madly in love with Tom Crean I have now read just about everything there is on Antartic Exploration at the turn of the Century. This book is of the period half a century earlier and is written in the same wonderful style, where Michael Smith brings into your life a little known and probably even less admired hero. The book covers Crozier's many travels into both the Artic and Antartic, and takes us to the time when the latter was being explored for the first time, and most interesting, getting named. So those coves and coasts and mountains - Ross Shelf, Cape Crozier, Mount Terror and Mount Erebus etc, all come from Croziers era. Also, and so disappointingly, came all those bad habits that plagued the later explorations - like dependancy on man hauling, not using locally caught game, using canvas tents etc.
This is just a great book - just one small criticism - the picture reproduction is lousy and it desperately needs a couple of detailed maps at the beginning, so you can keep referring back, rather than try and find the rather undetailed ones hidden in the text.
Mr Smith - I've read both your Tom Crean books - please find another 'unsung hero' for us!

Thank you for a REAL FUN chemistry book, 01 Aug 2008
The author, Mr. Thompson, obviously loves the subject, and yes, darn it, chemistry should be "fun", a little dangerous and educational.
I share the author's lament over the passing of a "proper" chemistry set. The one I had as a kid contained all the "no-no's" (or should I say KNO, KNO3!)
In that day you could go to the chemist and buy all manner of chemicals "off the shelf".
At school we made rockets (after school hours, I had a terrific Chemistry Master.....
Now my Son wants to learn, we home ed.... this book gives me the chance to "teach" or better "inspire" him:- That I did already, demonstrating the oxidizing qualities of KMnO4, innitially he smuggly goes yeah and.... then quite soon it's wow, how the heck did that happen?
With the chemistry sets of today you take two or more chemicals, mix them together and go "um er what's supposed to happen", as the chemicals just sit there, or if you are lucky change color!
An experiment has to DO something tangible. Thank you for a great book!

On an offside as it seems that we are being treated more and more like halfwits, perhaps we could have a "for dummies" line of chemistry sets, and then have a range that are designed for the responsible, and wanna b edjucaited majority!!

Wonderful excitement filled projects, 06 Jan 2005
What a great change, to see a "science book" with the sort of projects and demonstrations that will interest children of all ages, and quite a lot of adults.

The "Vacuum bazooka" is an extremely powerful device - especially with a damned great wet/dry vacuum powering it. We used plastic 35mm film cannisters and got 100 feet (high) shots from ours.

The fluid amplifier project is also nicely messy, but a great demonstration of some basic (electronic) theory.

Highly recommended to those interested in practical science, with good theoretical backup and resources in the book.

Well Thumbed!, 01 Nov 2008
I bought this book some time ago on the recommendation of my supervisor. I have now completed my MPhil on ICT in Physical Education. Having done the research 300 miles away from the university, this book was my first port of call over and above the internet. Although it lacks depth at times (It could not inform me of the significance of low r values for example), it sets you off on the right lines. I agree with the other review that states that this is a well written book. It is very clear to follow and understand the concepts. This was placed on top of my desk and I don't think a day went by without me needing to thumb through it.

Review of Research Methods in Physical Activity, 13 Feb 2003
This is a well written and fairly comprehensive book that manages to cover all aspects of research design, as well as statistical concepts. As a Sports Science student, I have found this book invaluable in pulling together the ideas and statistical concepts that are necessary for a student to have a good overview of this subject. It is written in a style that has included humour, which is a bonus in what is essentially quite a dry scientific subject. I have found this book to be of great help in understanding and becoming more competent in deciding what is an apropriate research design, and choosing the correct statistical test. I would recommend this book to any Sports Science student!

A must for physiotherapy reasearch and students, 16 Oct 2001
This book gives a clear definition on the way to go about setting up and carrying out a research project. Guides you step by step with easy to follow examples. It is excellent for post-grad work and should also be of value to the smarter undergrad student. Although the lengthy reading may seem boring it is in essence what research protocol is all about.

Usual great style from Polar writer, 07 Mar 2008
A tiny museum in Castletownbere gave me an tantilising introduction to Tom Crean, and an Amazon search then introduced me to Michael Smith and The Unsung Hero. I just loved it - a wonderful heoric tale by a very skilled author, and having fallen madly in love with Tom Crean I have now read just about everything there is on Antartic Exploration at the turn of the Century. This book is of the period half a century earlier and is written in the same wonderful style, where Michael Smith brings into your life a little known and probably even less admired hero. The book covers Crozier's many travels into both the Artic and Antartic, and takes us to the time when the latter was being explored for the first time, and most interesting, getting named. So those coves and coasts and mountains - Ross Shelf, Cape Crozier, Mount Terror and Mount Erebus etc, all come from Croziers era. Also, and so disappointingly, came all those bad habits that plagued the later explorations - like dependancy on man hauling, not using locally caught game, using canvas tents etc.
This is just a great book - just one small criticism - the picture reproduction is lousy and it desperately needs a couple of detailed maps at the beginning, so you can keep referring back, rather than try and find the rather undetailed ones hidden in the text.
Mr Smith - I've read both your Tom Crean books - please find another 'unsung hero' for us!

A fascinating collection, 19 Nov 2008
A superb collection of easy to read and digest essays covering a vast range of subjects from paper sizes to volcanoes. It's a lovely book to dip into when you feel the need to expand your knowledge.

Not really a story, just very short series of 2-page articles, 01 Mar 2008
The main item missing from this is a story. This is a series of articles, few of which are connected. There is nothing wrong with the items, although because of the shortness of the text on each item there isn't much detail. If you want some basic background on a range of measuremnet topics this is fine, if you want a detailed discussion of the history of measurement and the characters linking the history, look elsewhere.

Thank you for a REAL FUN chemistry book, 01 Aug 2008
The author, Mr. Thompson, obviously loves the subject, and yes, darn it, chemistry should be "fun", a little dangerous and educational.
I share the author's lament over the passing of a "proper" chemistry set. The one I had as a kid contained all the "no-no's" (or should I say KNO, KNO3!)
In that day you could go to the chemist and buy all manner of chemicals "off the shelf".
At school we made rockets (after school hours, I had a terrific Chemistry Master.....
Now my Son wants to learn, we home ed.... this book gives me the chance to "teach" or better "inspire" him:- That I did already, demonstrating the oxidizing qualities of KMnO4, innitially he smuggly goes yeah and.... then quite soon it's wow, how the heck did that happen?
With the chemistry sets of today you take two or more chemicals, mix them together and go "um er what's supposed to happen", as the chemicals just sit there, or if you are lucky change color!
An experiment has to DO something tangible. Thank you for a great book!

On an offside as it seems that we are being treated more and more like halfwits, perhaps we could have a "for dummies" line of chemistry sets, and then have a range that are designed for the responsible, and wanna b edjucaited majority!!

Wonderful excitement filled projects, 06 Jan 2005
What a great change, to see a "science book" with the sort of projects and demonstrations that will interest children of all ages, and quite a lot of adults.

The "Vacuum bazooka" is an extremely powerful device - especially with a damned great wet/dry vacuum powering it. We used plastic 35mm film cannisters and got 100 feet (high) shots from ours.

The fluid amplifier project is also nicely messy, but a great demonstration of some basic (electronic) theory.

Highly recommended to those interested in practical science, with good theoretical backup and resources in the book.

Well Thumbed!, 01 Nov 2008
I bought this book some time ago on the recommendation of my supervisor. I have now completed my MPhil on ICT in Physical Education. Having done the research 300 miles away from the university, this book was my first port of call over and above the internet. Although it lacks depth at times (It could not inform me of the significance of low r values for example), it sets you off on the right lines. I agree with the other review that states that this is a well written book. It is very clear to follow and understand the concepts. This was placed on top of my desk and I don't think a day went by without me needing to thumb through it.

Review of Research Methods in Physical Activity, 13 Feb 2003
This is a well written and fairly comprehensive book that manages to cover all aspects of research design, as well as statistical concepts. As a Sports Science student, I have found this book invaluable in pulling together the ideas and statistical concepts that are necessary for a student to have a good overview of this subject. It is written in a style that has included humour, which is a bonus in what is essentially quite a dry scientific subject. I have found this book to be of great help in understanding and becoming more competent in deciding what is an apropriate research design, and choosing the correct statistical test. I would recommend this book to any Sports Science student!

A must for physiotherapy reasearch and students, 16 Oct 2001
This book gives a clear definition on the way to go about setting up and carrying out a research project. Guides you step by step with easy to follow examples. It is excellent for post-grad work and should also be of value to the smarter undergrad student. Although the lengthy reading may seem boring it is in essence what research protocol is all about.

Usual great style from Polar writer, 07 Mar 2008
A tiny museum in Castletownbere gave me an tantilising introduction to Tom Crean, and an Amazon search then introduced me to Michael Smith and The Unsung Hero. I just loved it - a wonderful heoric tale by a very skilled author, and having fallen madly in love with Tom Crean I have now read just about everything there is on Antartic Exploration at the turn of the Century. This book is of the period half a century earlier and is written in the same wonderful style, where Michael Smith brings into your life a little known and probably even less admired hero. The book covers Crozier's many travels into both the Artic and Antartic, and takes us to the time when the latter was being explored for the first time, and most interesting, getting named. So those coves and coasts and mountains - Ross Shelf, Cape Crozier, Mount Terror and Mount Erebus etc, all come from Croziers era. Also, and so disappointingly, came all those bad habits that plagued the later explorations - like dependancy on man hauling, not using locally caught game, using canvas tents etc.
This is just a great book - just one small criticism - the picture reproduction is lousy and it desperately needs a couple of detailed maps at the beginning, so you can keep referring back, rather than try and find the rather undetailed ones hidden in the text.
Mr Smith - I've read both your Tom Crean books - please find another 'unsung hero' for us!

A fascinating collection, 19 Nov 2008
A superb collection of easy to read and digest essays covering a vast range of subjects from paper sizes to volcanoes. It's a lovely book to dip into when you feel the need to expand your knowledge.

Not really a story, just very short series of 2-page articles, 01 Mar 2008
The main item missing from this is a story. This is a series of articles, few of which are connected. There is nothing wrong with the items, although because of the shortness of the text on each item there isn't much detail. If you want some basic background on a range of measuremnet topics this is fine, if you want a detailed discussion of the history of measurement and the characters linking the history, look elsewhere.

Highly recommended, 21 Jun 2001
An excellent book for people interested in advanced synthetic organic chemistry lab. techniques. This book would be ideal for udergraduate and postgraduate students studying either chemistry or biochemistry.

Thank you for a REAL FUN chemistry book, 01 Aug 2008
The author, Mr. Thompson, obviously loves the subject, and yes, darn it, chemistry should be "fun", a little dangerous and educational.
I share the author's lament over the passing of a "proper" chemistry set. The one I had as a kid contained all the "no-no's" (or should I say KNO, KNO3!)
In that day you could go to the chemist and buy all manner of chemicals "off the shelf".
At school we made rockets (after school hours, I had a terrific Chemistry Master.....
Now my Son wants to learn, we home ed.... this book gives me the chance to "teach" or better "inspire" him:- That I did already, demonstrating the oxidizing qualities of KMnO4, innitially he smuggly goes yeah and.... then quite soon it's wow, how the heck did that happen?
With the chemistry sets of today you take two or more chemicals, mix them together and go "um er what's supposed to happen", as the chemicals just sit there, or if you are lucky change color!
An experiment has to DO something tangible. Thank you for a great book!

On an offside as it seems that we are being treated more and more like halfwits, perhaps we could have a "for dummies" line of chemistry sets, and then have a range that are designed for the responsible, and wanna b edjucaited majority!!

Wonderful excitement filled projects, 06 Jan 2005
What a great change, to see a "science book" with the sort of projects and demonstrations that will interest children of all ages, and quite a lot of adults.

The "Vacuum bazooka" is an extremely powerful device - especially with a damned great wet/dry vacuum powering it. We used plastic 35mm film cannisters and got 100 feet (high) shots from ours.

The fluid amplifier project is also nicely messy, but a great demonstration of some basic (electronic) theory.

Highly recommended to those interested in practical science, with good theoretical backup and resources in the book.

Well Thumbed!, 01 Nov 2008
I bought this book some time ago on the recommendation of my supervisor. I have now completed my MPhil on ICT in Physical Education. Having done the research 300 miles away from the university, this book was my first port of call over and above the internet. Although it lacks depth at times (It could not inform me of the significance of low r values for example), it sets you off on the right lines. I agree with the other review that states that this is a well written book. It is very clear to follow and understand the concepts. This was placed on top of my desk and I don't think a day went by without me needing to thumb through it.

Review of Research Methods in Physical Activity, 13 Feb 2003
This is a well written and fairly comprehensive book that manages to cover all aspects of research design, as well as statistical concepts. As a Sports Science student, I have found this book invaluable in pulling together the ideas and statistical concepts that are necessary for a student to have a good overview of this subject. It is written in a style that has included humour, which is a bonus in what is essentially quite a dry scientific subject. I have found this book to be of great help in understanding and becoming more competent in deciding what is an apropriate research design, and choosing the correct statistical test. I would recommend this book to any Sports Science student!

A must for physiotherapy reasearch and students, 16 Oct 2001
This book gives a clear definition on the way to go about setting up and carrying out a research project. Guides you step by step with easy to follow examples. It is excellent for post-grad work and should also be of value to the smarter undergrad student. Although the lengthy reading may seem boring it is in essence what research protocol is all about.

Usual great style from Polar writer, 07 Mar 2008
A tiny museum in Castletownbere gave me an tantilising introduction to Tom Crean, and an Amazon search then introduced me to Michael Smith and The Unsung Hero. I just loved it - a wonderful heoric tale by a very skilled author, and having fallen madly in love with Tom Crean I have now read just about everything there is on Antartic Exploration at the turn of the Century. This book is of the period half a century earlier and is written in the same wonderful style, where Michael Smith brings into your life a little known and probably even less admired hero. The book covers Crozier's many travels into both the Artic and Antartic, and takes us to the time when the latter was being explored for the first time, and most interesting, getting named. So those coves and coasts and mountains - Ross Shelf, Cape Crozier, Mount Terror and Mount Erebus etc, all come from Croziers era. Also, and so disappointingly, came all those bad habits that plagued the later explorations - like dependancy on man hauling, not using locally caught game, using canvas tents etc.
This is just a great book - just one small criticism - the picture reproduction is lousy and it desperately needs a couple of detailed maps at the beginning, so you can keep referring back, rather than try and find the rather undetailed ones hidden in the text.
Mr Smith - I've read both your Tom Crean books - please find another 'unsung hero' for us!

A fascinating collection, 19 Nov 2008
A superb collection of easy to read and digest essays covering a vast range of subjects from paper sizes to volcanoes. It's a lovely book to dip into when you feel the need to expand your knowledge.

Not really a story, just very short series of 2-page articles, 01 Mar 2008
The main item missing from this is a story. This is a series of articles, few of which are connected. There is nothing wrong with the items, although because of the shortness of the text on each item there isn't much detail. If you want some basic background on a range of measuremnet topics this is fine, if you want a detailed discussion of the history of measurement and the characters linking the history, look elsewhere.

Highly recommended, 21 Jun 2001
An excellent book for people interested in advanced synthetic organic chemistry lab. techniques. This book would be ideal for udergraduate and postgraduate students studying either chemistry or biochemistry.

DO NOT BUY THIS BOOK!, 12 Sep 2008
the reason why i tell you not to buy this book is quite simple...it is big...it is bulky...and it is heavy, this is no exageration also if you want to look something up it goes into so much detail you wish you never even took the course.
trust me do not buy this i got it from the school and they are bringing them back in because they are now getting edexcel approved ones!
i promise you this:
if your a parent your child will never stop asking you questions because they cant be bothered to read it all
if your a pupil look for something to do with cgp or something i am not advertising just stating the truth.
i wouldnt buy this for a penny...mind you the way the currency is going that is quite insulting...
do not get promise you will not like it, its not fun or entertaining to get you to continue reading.

A brilliant book for all chemistry lovers, 26 May 2008
A must-buy book for all those interested in chemistry at A level. Excellently presented, with good use of colour, and superb detail brings life to the subject. Very good selection of exam practice questions (not all answers are included). Makes the transition from GCSE easy. A book to be read through rather than dipped into, and which focuses on understanding concepts and ideas rather than just learning facts.

The Perspective of an AS Level student, 02 Oct 2007
The book came yesterday, there are good points and bad points about the book.

Pros:
- Healthy attention to detail
- Often explains details rather than bombarding the reader with facts
- Has EVERYTHING you will need for AS and A Level Chemistry
- Due to the explaining nature of the book, loss of interest is rare
- Has some questions in little boxes to make sure you are paying attention.

Cons:
- Very Big and bulky, may put off some readers (the cover page has a marble like background and the book is around 3cm thick effectively making it a slab)
- Perhaps too much detail, if you are for a particular exam board make sure you read only what you need to read
- Maybe a little out-dated, the pictures look old as does the text.

My advise is to get an Exam board specialised book (i have a thin Edexcel one) try getting one that is straight to the point and maybe lacking some detail. You can then use both books in duo by flicking through what you already understand (exam board book)and to look up what you dont (Chemistry in Context). Simple.

EDIT: its been a few weeks and the book is very unappealing i find that i look through all my other books even the internet before looking through Chemistry in Context. This is probably because it takes a long time to find anything. unless your the type who would not understand an entire topic the book is little more than useless.

a wonderful book, 16 May 2002
I ordered this book because it can help my son with his International Baccalaureate chemistry course. Once it arrived, however, I started reading it myself because the illustrations are so well done and interesting, and the text is written in a clear and accessible style. I regret now that I am coming to the end of the book. I studied chemistry 30 years ago, but never really understood it fully. Reading Chemistry in Context has been a great pleasure for me. Anyone interested in chemistry should be able to take it on.

Excellent book for a excellent grade!, 09 Sep 2000
My first impression of this book was that it was very daunting. At a glance the several hundred paged book looks like a weight to add to the burden of sixth form study. On the other hand, the first time I used it lifted the weight off the coursework which I had to write up for the next two weeks. Informative and very well detailed this book helped me in gaining a very good coursework grade and a final grade A. If you are contemplating buying this book as another addition to your already high-priced library of A level textbooks, then don't hesitate because it will finally pay off. The only disadvantage is the constant text broken occassionally by diagrams; then again what do you expect for choosing the subject chemistry.

Thank you for a REAL FUN chemistry book, 01 Aug 2008
The author, Mr. Thompson, obviously loves the subject, and yes, darn it, chemistry should be "fun", a little dangerous and educational.
I share the author's lament over the passing of a "proper" chemistry set. The one I had as a kid contained all the "no-no's" (or should I say KNO, KNO3!)
In that day you could go to the chemist and buy all manner of chemicals "off the shelf".
At school we made rockets (after school hours, I had a terrific Chemistry Master.....
Now my Son wants to learn, we home ed.... this book gives me the chance to "teach" or better "inspire" him:- That I did already, demonstrating the oxidizing qualities of KMnO4, innitially he smuggly goes yeah and.... then quite soon it's wow, how the heck did that happen?
With the chemistry sets of today you take two or more chemicals, mix them together and go "um er what's supposed to happen", as the chemicals just sit there, or if you are lucky change color!
An experiment has to DO something tangible. Thank you for a great book!

On an offside as it seems that we are being treated more and more like halfwits, perhaps we could have a "for dummies" line of chemistry sets, and then have a range that are designed for the responsible, and wanna b edjucaited majority!!

Wonderful excitement filled projects, 06 Jan 2005
What a great change, to see a "science book" with the sort of projects and demonstrations that will interest children of all ages, and quite a lot of adults.

The "Vacuum bazooka" is an extremely powerful device - especially with a damned great wet/dry vacuum powering it. We used plastic 35mm film cannisters and got 100 feet (high) shots from ours.

The fluid amplifier project is also nicely messy, but a great demonstration of some basic (electronic) theory.

Highly recommended to those interested in practical science, with good theoretical backup and resources in the book.

Well Thumbed!, 01 Nov 2008
I bought this book some time ago on the recommendation of my supervisor. I have now completed my MPhil on ICT in Physical Education. Having done the research 300 miles away from the university, this book was my first port of call over and above the internet. Although it lacks depth at times (It could not inform me of the significance of low r values for example), it sets you off on the right lines. I agree with the other review that states that this is a well written book. It is very clear to follow and understand the concepts. This was placed on top of my desk and I don't think a day went by without me needing to thumb through it.

Review of Research Methods in Physical Activity, 13 Feb 2003
This is a well written and fairly comprehensive book that manages to cover all aspects of research design, as well as statistical concepts. As a Sports Science student, I have found this book invaluable in pulling together the ideas and statistical concepts that are necessary for a student to have a good overview of this subject. It is written in a style that has included humour, which is a bonus in what is essentially quite a dry scientific subject. I have found this book to be of great help in understanding and becoming more competent in deciding what is an apropriate research design, and choosing the correct statistical test. I would recommend this book to any Sports Science student!

A must for physiotherapy reasearch and students, 16 Oct 2001
This book gives a clear definition on the way to go about setting up and carrying out a research project. Guides you step by step with easy to follow examples. It is excellent for post-grad work and should also be of value to the smarter undergrad student. Although the lengthy reading may seem boring it is in essence what research protocol is all about.

Usual great style from Polar writer, 07 Mar 2008
A tiny museum in Castletownbere gave me an tantilising introduction to Tom Crean, and an Amazon search then introduced me to Michael Smith and The Unsung Hero. I just loved it - a wonderful heoric tale by a very skilled author, and having fallen madly in love with Tom Crean I have now read just about everything there is on Antartic Exploration at the turn of the Century. This book is of the period half a century earlier and is written in the same wonderful style, where Michael Smith brings into your life a little known and probably even less admired hero. The book covers Crozier's many travels into both the Artic and Antartic, and takes us to the time when the latter was being explored for the first time, and most interesting, getting named. So those coves and coasts and mountains - Ross Shelf, Cape Crozier, Mount Terror and Mount Erebus etc, all come from Croziers era. Also, and so disappointingly, came all those bad habits that plagued the later explorations - like dependancy on man hauling, not using locally caught game, using canvas tents etc.
This is just a great book - just one small criticism - the picture reproduction is lousy and it desperately needs a couple of detailed maps at the beginning, so you can keep referring back, rather than try and find the rather undetailed ones hidden in the text.
Mr Smith - I've read both your Tom Crean books - please find another 'unsung hero' for us!

A fascinating collection, 19 Nov 2008
A superb collection of easy to read and digest essays covering a vast range of subjects from paper sizes to volcanoes. It's a lovely book to dip into when you feel the need to expand your knowledge.

Not really a story, just very short series of 2-page articles, 01 Mar 2008
The main item missing from this is a story. This is a series of articles, few of which are connected. There is nothing wrong with the items, although because of the shortness of the text on each item there isn't much detail. If you want some basic background on a range of measuremnet topics this is fine, if you want a detailed discussion of the history of measurement and the characters linking the history, look elsewhere.

Highly recommended, 21 Jun 2001
An excellent book for people interested in advanced synthetic organic chemistry lab. techniques. This book would be ideal for udergraduate and postgraduate students studying either chemistry or biochemistry.

DO NOT BUY THIS BOOK!, 12 Sep 2008
the reason why i tell you not to buy this book is quite simple...it is big...it is bulky...and it is heavy, this is no exageration also if you want to look something up it goes into so much detail you wish you never even took the course.
trust me do not buy this i got it from the school and they are bringing them back in because they are now getting edexcel approved ones!
i promise you this:
if your a parent your child will never stop asking you questions because they cant be bothered to read it all
if your a pupil look for something to do with cgp or something i am not advertising just stating the truth.
i wouldnt buy this for a penny...mind you the way the currency is going that is quite insulting...
do not get promise you will not like it, its not fun or entertaining to get you to continue reading.

A brilliant book for all chemistry lovers, 26 May 2008
A must-buy book for all those interested in chemistry at A level. Excellently presented, with good use of colour, and superb detail brings life to the subject. Very good selection of exam practice questions (not all answers are included). Makes the transition from GCSE easy. A book to be read through rather than dipped into, and which focuses on understanding concepts and ideas rather than just learning facts.

The Perspective of an AS Level student, 02 Oct 2007
The book came yesterday, there are good points and bad points about the book.

Pros:
- Healthy attention to detail
- Often explains details rather than bombarding the reader with facts
- Has EVERYTHING you will need for AS and A Level Chemistry
- Due to the explaining nature of the book, loss of interest is rare
- Has some questions in little boxes to make sure you are paying attention.

Cons:
- Very Big and bulky, may put off some readers (the cover page has a marble like background and the book is around 3cm thick effectively making it a slab)
- Perhaps too much detail, if you are for a particular exam board make sure you read only what you need to read
- Maybe a little out-dated, the pictures look old as does the text.

My advise is to get an Exam board specialised book (i have a thin Edexcel one) try getting one that is straight to the point and maybe lacking some detail. You can then use both books in duo by flicking through what you already understand (exam board book)and to look up what you dont (Chemistry in Context). Simple.

EDIT: its been a few weeks and the book is very unappealing i find that i look through all my other books even the internet before looking through Chemistry in Context. This is probably because it takes a long time to find anything. unless your the type who would not understand an entire topic the book is little more than useless.

a wonderful book, 16 May 2002
I ordered this book because it can help my son with his International Baccalaureate chemistry course. Once it arrived, however, I started reading it myself because the illustrations are so well done and interesting, and the text is written in a clear and accessible style. I regret now that I am coming to the end of the book. I studied chemistry 30 years ago, but never really understood it fully. Reading Chemistry in Context has been a great pleasure for me. Anyone interested in chemistry should be able to take it on.

Excellent book for a excellent grade!, 09 Sep 2000
My first impression of this book was that it was very daunting. At a glance the several hundred paged book looks like a weight to add to the burden of sixth form study. On the other hand, the first time I used it lifted the weight off the coursework which I had to write up for the next two weeks. Informative and very well detailed this book helped me in gaining a very good coursework grade and a final grade A. If you are contemplating buying this book as another addition to your already high-priced library of A level textbooks, then don't hesitate because it will finally pay off. The only disadvantage is the constant text broken occassionally by diagrams; then again what do you expect for choosing the subject chemistry.

Erudite and, in places, fascinating but very, very heavy going, 20 Jun 2008
Nancy Cartwright certainly has fashioned a unique place for herself in the philosophy of science, as a mathematically and economically literate writer prepared to write books with titles like "how the laws of physics lie" - not exactly from the Carl Sagan playbook, after all. However, despite certain allegations to the contrary, this is not wooly headed postmodernism but technical, analytical philosophy and as such suffers less, not more, than usual from allegations of academic irrelevance: Cartwright knows her maths and her economics, and she can talk turkey. Boy can she talk turkey.

Which (certainly to the extent this book purports to be aimed at the popular market, and probably even where it doesn't) is a large part of the problem. Perhaps in feeling the need to prove her credentials, Cartwright not only chooses highly arcane, technical and therefore, to readers like me, obscure examples, but then expounds them in mind-numbing, greek-alphabet fetishising, detail. The level of assumed knowledge to follow the worked examples in physics and econometrics is too high certainly for the mass market, but also I suspect for many professional philosophers. While I'm not one of those, I'm read enough professional philosophy in this field to know that I ought to be able to keep up with most of it, and that a better job might have been done in keeping me along for the ride than was actually done here.

Nor is Cartwright a particularly elegant writer. The concepts she is asking the reader to accept are radical, and whilst I thought they were pretty clever and - for the part where I could keep up - compelling, they're not especially well expounded, assuming as they do a familiarity with Cartwright's earlier work which it really isn't safe to assume. A greater faculty for expounding difficult concepts - such as that possessed by a Daniel Dennett - would have been an advantage here. Cartwright's is pretty leaden prose.

To the extent I understood it, Cartwright's programme really interested me: to invert the usual wisdom that scientific laws drive and explain physical events in the universe, and observe that physical regularities precede and therefore drive the composition of scientific laws - the laws are convenient models for making sense of pre-existing regularities, and not vice versa - but that even this is a step too far; that in order to even observe the regularities we need to devise "nomological machines" - a pretty phrase, I'm sure you'll agree - which prescribe the conditions in which regularities will be observed. We should talk in terms of capacities rather than regularities, though I couldn't really derive much more insight than that, despite repeated attempts.

The early chapters are just about manageable for the lay reader; after about half-way through I hit a brick wall when talk moved to the technical details of quantum theory, and never seemed to re-emerge.

It is certainly true that this book is beyond my grasp and almost certainly wasn't targeted at people like me, so those with the requisite background should disregard my vote and look into this book, but those more used to browsing the popular science section might want to steer clear.

Olly Buxton

Thank you for a REAL FUN chemistry book, 01 Aug 2008
The author, Mr. Thompson, obviously loves the subject, and yes, darn it, chemistry should be "fun", a little dangerous and educational.
I share the author's lament over the passing of a "proper" chemistry set. The one I had as a kid contained all the "no-no's" (or should I say KNO, KNO3!)
In that day you could go to the chemist and buy all manner of chemicals "off the shelf".
At school we made rockets (after school hours, I had a terrific Chemistry Master.....
Now my Son wants to learn, we home ed.... this book gives me the chance to "teach" or better "inspire" him:- That I did already, demonstrating the oxidizing qualities of KMnO4, innitially he smuggly goes yeah and.... then quite soon it's wow, how the heck did that happen?
With the chemistry sets of today you take two or more chemicals, mix them together and go "um er what's supposed to happen", as the chemicals just sit there, or if you are lucky change color!
An experiment has to DO something tangible. Thank you for a great book!

On an offside as it seems that we are being treated more and more like halfwits, perhaps we could have a "for dummies" line of chemistry sets, and then have a range that are designed for the responsible, and wanna b edjucaited majority!!

Wonderful excitement filled projects, 06 Jan 2005
What a great change, to see a "science book" with the sort of projects and demonstrations that will interest children of all ages, and quite a lot of adults.

The "Vacuum bazooka" is an extremely powerful device - especially with a damned great wet/dry vacuum powering it. We used plastic 35mm film cannisters and got 100 feet (high) shots from ours.

The fluid amplifier project is also nicely messy, but a great demonstration of some basic (electronic) theory.

Highly recommended to those interested in practical science, with good theoretical backup and resources in the book.

Well Thumbed!, 01 Nov 2008
I bought this book some time ago on the recommendation of my supervisor. I have now completed my MPhil on ICT in Physical Education. Having done the research 300 miles away from the university, this book was my first port of call over and above the internet. Although it lacks depth at times (It could not inform me of the significance of low r values for example), it sets you off on the right lines. I agree with the other review that states that this is a well written book. It is very clear to follow and understand the concepts. This was placed on top of my desk and I don't think a day went by without me needing to thumb through it.

Review of Research Methods in Physical Activity, 13 Feb 2003
This is a well written and fairly comprehensive book that manages to cover all aspects of research design, as well as statistical concepts. As a Sports Science student, I have found this book invaluable in pulling together the ideas and statistical concepts that are necessary for a student to have a good overview of this subject. It is written in a style that has included humour, which is a bonus in what is essentially quite a dry scientific subject. I have found this book to be of great help in understanding and becoming more competent in deciding what is an apropriate research design, and choosing the correct statistical test. I would recommend this book to any Sports Science student!

A must for physiotherapy reasearch and students, 16 Oct 2001
This book gives a clear definition on the way to go about setting up and carrying out a research project. Guides you step by step with easy to follow examples. It is excellent for post-grad work and should also be of value to the smarter undergrad student. Although the lengthy reading may seem boring it is in essence what research protocol is all about.

Usual great style from Polar writer, 07 Mar 2008
A tiny museum in Castletownbere gave me an tantilising introduction to Tom Crean, and an Amazon search then introduced me to Michael Smith and The Unsung Hero. I just loved it - a wonderful heoric tale by a very skilled author, and having fallen madly in love with Tom Crean I have now read just about everything there is on Antartic Exploration at the turn of the Century. This book is of the period half a century earlier and is written in the same wonderful style, where Michael Smith brings into your life a little known and probably even less admired hero. The book covers Crozier's many travels into both the Artic and Antartic, and takes us to the time when the latter was being explored for the first time, and most interesting, getting named. So those coves and coasts and mountains - Ross Shelf, Cape Crozier, Mount Terror and Mount Erebus etc, all come from Croziers era. Also, and so disappointingly, came all those bad habits that plagued the later explorations - like dependancy on man hauling, not using locally caught game, using canvas tents etc.
This is just a great book - just one small criticism - the picture reproduction is lousy and it desperately needs a couple of detailed maps at the beginning, so you can keep referring back, rather than try and find the rather undetailed ones hidden in the text.
Mr Smith - I've read both your Tom Crean books - please find another 'unsung hero' for us!

A fascinating collection, 19 Nov 2008
A superb collection of easy to read and digest essays covering a vast range of subjects from paper sizes to volcanoes. It's a lovely book to dip into when you feel the need to expand your knowledge.

Not really a story, just very short series of 2-page articles, 01 Mar 2008
The main item missing from this is a story. This is a series of articles, few of which are connected. There is nothing wrong with the items, although because of the shortness of the text on each item there isn't much detail. If you want some basic background on a range of measuremnet topics this is fine, if you want a detailed discussion of the history of measurement and the characters linking the history, look elsewhere.

Highly recommended, 21 Jun 2001
An excellent book for people interested in advanced synthetic organic chemistry lab. techniques. This book would be ideal for udergraduate and postgraduate students studying either chemistry or biochemistry.

DO NOT BUY THIS BOOK!, 12 Sep 2008
the reason why i tell you not to buy this book is quite simple...it is big...it is bulky...and it is heavy, this is no exageration also if you want to look something up it goes into so much detail you wish you never even took the course.
trust me do not buy this i got it from the school and they are bringing them back in because they are now getting edexcel approved ones!
i promise you this:
if your a parent your child will never stop asking you questions because they cant be bothered to read it all
if your a pupil look for something to do with cgp or something i am not advertising just stating the truth.
i wouldnt buy this for a penny...mind you the way the currency is going that is quite insulting...
do not get promise you will not like it, its not fun or entertaining to get you to continue reading.

A brilliant book for all chemistry lovers, 26 May 2008
A must-buy book for all those interested in chemistry at A level. Excellently presented, with good use of colour, and superb detail brings life to the subject. Very good selection of exam practice questions (not all answers are included). Makes the transition from GCSE easy. A book to be read through rather than dipped into, and which focuses on understanding concepts and ideas rather than just learning facts.

The Perspective of an AS Level student, 02 Oct 2007
The book came yesterday, there are good points and bad points about the book.

Pros:
- Healthy attention to detail
- Often explains details rather than bombarding the reader with facts
- Has EVERYTHING you will need for AS and A Level Chemistry
- Due to the explaining nature of the book, loss of interest is rare
- Has some questions in little boxes to make sure you are paying attention.

Cons:
- Very Big and bulky, may put off some readers (the cover page has a marble like background and the book is around 3cm thick effectively making it a slab)
- Perhaps too much detail, if you are for a particular exam board make sure you read only what you need to read
- Maybe a little out-dated, the pictures look old as does the text.

My advise is to get an Exam board specialised book (i have a thin Edexcel one) try getting one that is straight to the point and maybe lacking some detail. You can then use both books in duo by flicking through what you already understand (exam board book)and to look up what you dont (Chemistry in Context). Simple.

EDIT: its been a few weeks and the book is very unappealing i find that i look through all my other books even the internet before looking through Chemistry in Context. This is probably because it takes a long time to find anything. unless your the type who would not understand an entire topic the book is little more than useless.

a wonderful book, 16 May 2002
I ordered this book because it can help my son with his International Baccalaureate chemistry course. Once it arrived, however, I started reading it myself because the illustrations are so well done and interesting, and the text is written in a clear and accessible style. I regret now that I am coming to the end of the book. I studied chemistry 30 years ago, but never really understood it fully. Reading Chemistry in Context has been a great pleasure for me. Anyone interested in chemistry should be able to take it on.

Excellent book for a excellent grade!, 09 Sep 2000
My first impression of this book was that it was very daunting. At a glance the several hundred paged book looks like a weight to add to the burden of sixth form study. On the other hand, the first time I used it lifted the weight off the coursework which I had to write up for the next two weeks. Informative and very well detailed this book helped me in gaining a very good coursework grade and a final grade A. If you are contemplating buying this book as another addition to your already high-priced library of A level textbooks, then don't hesitate because it will finally pay off. The only disadvantage is the constant text broken occassionally by diagrams; then again what do you expect for choosing the subject chemistry.

Erudite and, in places, fascinating but very, very heavy going, 20 Jun 2008
Nancy Cartwright certainly has fashioned a unique place for herself in the philosophy of science, as a mathematically and economically literate writer prepared to write books with titles like "how the laws of physics lie" - not exactly from the Carl Sagan playbook, after all. However, despite certain allegations to the contrary, this is not wooly headed postmodernism but technical, analytical philosophy and as such suffers less, not more, than usual from allegations of academic irrelevance: Cartwright knows her maths and her economics, and she can talk turkey. Boy can she talk turkey.

Which (certainly to the extent this book purports to be aimed at the popular market, and probably even where it doesn't) is a large part of the problem. Perhaps in feeling the need to prove her credentials, Cartwright not only chooses highly arcane, technical and therefore, to readers like me, obscure examples, but then expounds them in mind-numbing, greek-alphabet fetishising, detail. The level of assumed knowledge to follow the worked examples in physics and econometrics is too high certainly for the mass market, but also I suspect for many professional philosophers. While I'm not one of those, I'm read enough professional philosophy in this field to know that I ought to be able to keep up with most of it, and that a better job might have been done in keeping me along for the ride than was actually done here.

Nor is Cartwright a particularly elegant writer. The concepts she is asking the reader to accept are radical, and whilst I thought they were pretty clever and - for the part where I could keep up - compelling, they're not especially well expounded, assuming as they do a familiarity with Cartwright's earlier work which it really isn't safe to assume. A greater faculty for expounding difficult concepts - such as that possessed by a Daniel Dennett - would have been an advantage here. Cartwright's is pretty leaden prose.

To the extent I understood it, Cartwright's programme really interested me: to invert the usual wisdom that scientific laws drive and explain physical events in the universe, and observe that physical regularities precede and therefore drive the composition of scientific laws - the laws are convenient models for making sense of pre-existing regularities, and not vice versa - but that even this is a step too far; that in order to even observe the regularities we need to devise "nomological machines" - a pretty phrase, I'm sure you'll agree - which prescribe the conditions in which regularities will be observed. We should talk in terms of capacities rather than regularities, though I couldn't really derive much more insight than that, despite repeated attempts.

The early chapters are just about manageable for the lay reader; after about half-way through I hit a brick wall when talk moved to the technical details of quantum theory, and never seemed to re-emerge.

It is certainly true that this book is beyond my grasp and almost certainly wasn't targeted at people like me, so those with the requisite background should disregard my vote and look into this book, but those more used to browsing the popular science section might want to steer clear.

Olly Buxton

The classic statistical power reference., 29 Jun 1999
Clearly, a must for every statistical library. This book is considered the authority on power analysis.

Thank you for a REAL FUN chemistry book, 01 Aug 2008
The author, Mr. Thompson, obviously loves the subject, and yes, darn it, chemistry should be "fun", a little dangerous and educational.
I share the author's lament over the passing of a "proper" chemistry set. The one I had as a kid contained all the "no-no's" (or should I say KNO, KNO3!)
In that day you could go to the chemist and buy all manner of chemicals "off the shelf".
At school we made rockets (after school hours, I had a terrific Chemistry Master.....
Now my Son wants to learn, we home ed.... this book gives me the chance to "teach" or better "inspire" him:- That I did already, demonstrating the oxidizing qualities of KMnO4, innitially he smuggly goes yeah and.... then quite soon it's wow, how the heck did that happen?
With the chemistry sets of today you take two or more chemicals, mix them together and go "um er what's supposed to happen", as the chemicals just sit there, or if you are lucky change color!
An experiment has to DO something tangible. Thank you for a great book!

On an offside as it seems that we are being treated more and more like halfwits, perhaps we could have a "for dummies" line of chemistry sets, and then have a range that are designed for the responsible, and wanna b edjucaited majority!!

Wonderful excitement filled projects, 06 Jan 2005
What a great change, to see a "science book" with the sort of projects and demonstrations that will interest children of all ages, and quite a lot of adults.

The "Vacuum bazooka" is an extremely powerful device - especially with a damned great wet/dry vacuum powering it. We used plastic 35mm film cannisters and got 100 feet (high) shots from ours.

The fluid amplifier project is also nicely messy, but a great demonstration of some basic (electronic) theory.

Highly recommended to those interested in practical science, with good theoretical backup and resources in the book.

Well Thumbed!, 01 Nov 2008
I bought this book some time ago on the recommendation of my supervisor. I have now completed my MPhil on ICT in Physical Education. Having done the research 300 miles away from the university, this book was my first port of call over and above the internet. Although it lacks depth at times (It could not inform me of the significance of low r values for example), it sets you off on the right lines. I agree with the other review that states that this is a well written book. It is very clear to follow and understand the concepts. This was placed on top of my desk and I don't think a day went by without me needing to thumb through it.

Review of Research Methods in Physical Activity, 13 Feb 2003
This is a well written and fairly comprehensive book that manages to cover all aspects of research design, as well as statistical concepts. As a Sports Science student, I have found this book invaluable in pulling together the ideas and statistical concepts that are necessary for a student to have a good overview of this subject. It is written in a style that has included humour, which is a bonus in what is essentially quite a dry scientific subject. I have found this book to be of great help in understanding and becoming more competent in deciding what is an apropriate research design, and choosing the correct statistical test. I would recommend this book to any Sports Science student!

A must for physiotherapy reasearch and students, 16 Oct 2001
This book gives a clear definition on the way to go about setting up and carrying out a research project. Guides you step by step with easy to follow examples. It is excellent for post-grad work and should also be of value to the smarter undergrad student. Although the lengthy reading may seem boring it is in essence what research protocol is all about.

Usual great style from Polar writer, 07 Mar 2008
A tiny museum in Castletownbere gave me an tantilising introduction to Tom Crean, and an Amazon search then introduced me to Michael Smith and The Unsung Hero. I just loved it - a wonderful heoric tale by a very skilled author, and having fallen madly in love with Tom Crean I have now read just about everything there is on Antartic Exploration at the turn of the Century. This book is of the period half a century earlier and is written in the same wonderful style, where Michael Smith brings into your life a little known and probably even less admired hero. The book covers Crozier's many travels into both the Artic and Antartic, and takes us to the time when the latter was being explored for the first time, and most interesting, getting named. So those coves and coasts and mountains - Ross Shelf, Cape Crozier, Mount Terror and Mount Erebus etc, all come from Croziers era. Also, and so disappointingly, came all those bad habits that plagued the later explorations - like dependancy on man hauling, not using locally caught game, using canvas tents etc.
This is just a great book - just one small criticism - the picture reproduction is lousy and it desperately needs a couple of detailed maps at the beginning, so you can keep referring back, rather than try and find the rather undetailed ones hidden in the text.
Mr Smith - I've read both your Tom Crean books - please find another 'unsung hero' for us!

A fascinating collection, 19 Nov 2008
A superb collection of easy to read and digest essays covering a vast range of subjects from paper sizes to volcanoes. It's a lovely book to dip into when you feel the need to expand your knowledge.

Not really a story, just very short series of 2-page articles, 01 Mar 2008
The main item missing from this is a story. This is a series of articles, few of which are connected. There is nothing wrong with the items, although because of the shortness of the text on each item there isn't much detail. If you want some basic background on a range of measuremnet topics this is fine, if you want a detailed discussion of the history of measurement and the characters linking the history, look elsewhere.

Highly recommended, 21 Jun 2001
An excellent book for people interested in advanced synthetic organic chemistry lab. techniques. This book would be ideal for udergraduate and postgraduate students studying either chemistry or biochemistry.

DO NOT BUY THIS BOOK!, 12 Sep 2008
the reason why i tell you not to buy this book is quite simple...it is big...it is bulky...and it is heavy, this is no exageration also if you want to look something up it goes into so much detail you wish you never even took the course.
trust me do not buy this i got it from the school and they are bringing them back in because they are now getting edexcel approved ones!
i promise you this:
if your a parent your child will never stop asking you questions because they cant be bothered to read it all
if your a pupil look for something to do with cgp or something i am not advertising just stating the truth.
i wouldnt buy this for a penny...mind you the way the currency is going that is quite insulting...
do not get promise you will not like it, its not fun or entertaining to get you to continue reading.

A brilliant book for all chemistry lovers, 26 May 2008
A must-buy book for all those interested in chemistry at A level. Excellently presented, with good use of colour, and superb detail brings life to the subject. Very good selection of exam practice questions (not all answers are included). Makes the transition from GCSE easy. A book to be read through rather than dipped into, and which focuses on understanding concepts and ideas rather than just learning facts.

The Perspective of an AS Level student, 02 Oct 2007
The book came yesterday, there are good points and bad points about the book.

Pros:
- Healthy attention to detail
- Often explains details rather than bombarding the reader with facts
- Has EVERYTHING you will need for AS and A Level Chemistry
- Due to the explaining nature of the book, loss of interest is rare
- Has some questions in little boxes to make sure you are paying attention.

Cons:
- Very Big and bulky, may put off some readers (the cover page has a marble like background and the book is around 3cm thick effectively making it a slab)
- Perhaps too much detail, if you are for a particular exam board make sure you read only what you need to read
- Maybe a little out-dated, the pictures look old as does the text.

My advise is to get an Exam board specialised book (i have a thin Edexcel one) try getting one that is straight to the point and maybe lacking some detail. You can then use both books in duo by flicking through what you already understand (exam board book)and to look up what you dont (Chemistry in Context). Simple.

EDIT: its been a few weeks and the book is very unappealing i find that i look through all my other books even the internet before looking through Chemistry in Context. This is probably because it takes a long time to find anything. unless your the type who would not understand an entire topic the book is little more than useless.

a wonderful book, 16 May 2002
I ordered this book because it can help my son with his International Baccalaureate chemistry course. Once it arrived, however, I started reading it myself because the illustrations are so well done and interesting, and the text is written in a clear and accessible style. I regret now that I am coming to the end of the book. I studied chemistry 30 years ago, but never really understood it fully. Reading Chemistry in Context has been a great pleasure for me. Anyone interested in chemistry should be able to take it on.

Excellent book for a excellent grade!, 09 Sep 2000
My first impression of this book was that it was very daunting. At a glance the several hundred paged book looks like a weight to add to the burden of sixth form study. On the other hand, the first time I used it lifted the weight off the coursework which I had to write up for the next two weeks. Informative and very well detailed this book helped me in gaining a very good coursework grade and a final grade A. If you are contemplating buying this book as another addition to your already high-priced library of A level textbooks, then don't hesitate because it will finally pay off. The only disadvantage is the constant text broken occassionally by diagrams; then again what do you expect for choosing the subject chemistry.

Erudite and, in places, fascinating but very, very heavy going, 20 Jun 2008
Nancy Cartwright certainly has fashioned a unique place for herself in the philosophy of science, as a mathematically and economically literate writer prepared to write books with titles like "how the laws of physics lie" - not exactly from the Carl Sagan playbook, after all. However, despite certain allegations to the contrary, this is not wooly headed postmodernism but technical, analytical philosophy and as such suffers less, not more, than usual from allegations of academic irrelevance: Cartwright knows her maths and her economics, and she can talk turkey. Boy can she talk turkey.

Which (certainly to the extent this book purports to be aimed at the popular market, and probably even where it doesn't) is a large part of the problem. Perhaps in feeling the need to prove her credentials, Cartwright not only chooses highly arcane, technical and therefore, to readers like me, o