Projects for the Amateur Scientist

This book, based on the 1950's and 1960's Amateuar Scientist columns in Scientific American, does not spare you the fuss and muss of real experimentation. And only personal experiment prevents science from being a matter of faith. It is not outmoded. It is not out-dated. The manner in which the physical universe behaves has not been altered by the digital era. If you wish to truly develop an innate sense for "the garden of the real" (my apologies to deconstructionists), then build these things, develop a tactile understanding of the universe surrounding you. You will then be able to speak about the workings of the universe with an appropriate humility.

I acquired this book in 1966 and still use it for inspiration. Methods in the projects are somewhat dated, however the "spark" for any true experimenter is still as bright as ever in this book. It is a "must have" book for any serious experimenter's library. Young or old, if you can find it, buy it!

This book and the experiments have kept me engaged in science and engineering since I first picked it up. Although the experiments are somewhat dated, their scope (feel like building a particle accelerator...) and appeal is universal. Have a compressor? Why not try to capture Maxwell's demon and put him to work in a Hilsch Vortex tube. Almost all the experiments are way beyond a weekend's worth of time so there is much to satisfy the true amateur beyond a bauble of an experiment here and there. I highly recommend it for kids, teenagers and adults! My copy is almost worn out.