Volume five in this eight-volume series chronicles the work performed by mathematicians and scientists during the nineteenth and twentieth centuries to establish conceptual foundations and empirical knowledge for a scientific understanding of the world around them. The 33 chapters discuss the public's view of science, and the development of instruments, institutions, chemistry, nuclear physics, cosmology, and mathematical analysis. Topics include visual imagery in physics, the construction of scientific languages in chemistry, theories on radiation, quantum field theory, the use of statistical models, the impact of astronomical spectroscopy, and the computer revolution. Annotation c. Book News, Inc., Portland, OR (booknews.com)