Solid Clues: Quantum Physics, Molecular Biology, and the Future of Science

This book is a masterpiece of popular cross-over by a distinguished scientist on the state of his field. As long as the reader is intelligent and willing to put forth the effort, he/she can gain a solid understanding of basic scientific research and where it appears to be headed. The link, as the subtitle attests, is the impact of quantum physics on all the branches of science. While the coverage of the physics is superior to that of molecular biology, the reader gains a vocabulary and conceptual tools for reading that can serve as an essential stepping stone for other, deeper and more specialized sources. This book initiated a long inquiry into science writing that influenced my career as a writer and it continues to serve as a source of inspiration for me. Though the book is nearly 20 years old, I still refer to it for direction and the basics for many of the subjects I approach. It is, of course, dated and cannot be taken as gospel in many subject areas, but its solid basis remains extraordinarily useful. The writing style is also clear and somewhat spare, never descending into the idiotic hype that became so popular in the 1990s with Wired. As such, Feinberg presents an unadorned analysis of the state of the art. It is totally fascinating. Highest recommendation.