Exploring a Century of Scientific Literature

Choosing a book to read can sometimes be a daunting task, especially when it comes to scientific books that have multiplied and diversified over the years. Here, we present a selection of notable scientific books reviewed over a century in Scientific American magazine, comparing them with contemporary works on the same topics, offering a unique insight into the evolution of scientific writing and the subjects that have engaged both scientists and readers alike.

Tuberculosis: From Danger to Treatment

In 1930, Frank H. Livingston published his book “Tuberculosis: Its Cause, Prevention, and Cure,” which was reviewed in March 1931. Although the author was not a medical professional, the book received widespread acclaim for its simple and practical approach to dealing with a disease that was a significant threat at the time. A century later, John Green published “Everything is Tuberculosis” in 2025, highlighting how disparities in treatment continue to allow the disease to persist in some areas despite the availability of effective treatments.

Preserving Hearing in a Noisy World

The book “Your Hearing: How to Preserve and Aid It,” published in 1932, discussed techniques for preserving hearing and the importance of auditory hygiene. In contrast, Chris Berdik’s book “Noise: How Sound Took Over the World and How We Can Reclaim It” offers a deep dive into the impact of noise on human health and other living beings, shedding light on an issue that remains of interest to the health community today.

Life on Earth: From Past to Present

The book “The Science of Life,” co-authored by the renowned writer H.G. Wells, captivated readers in 1931 with its rich content on the theory of evolution. In the modern era, Riley Black takes us on a journey through time in her book “When the Earth Was Green,” showcasing the evolution of life on Earth in an engaging and smooth style.

The Antarctic: Explorations and Changes

In 1970, M.W. Holgate’s series of books on the Antarctic environment provided a comprehensive study of the ecosystem in that region, highlighting environmental changes and efforts to preserve life there. In 2025, Neil Shubin continues this journey in his book “Ends of the Earth,” exploring the ongoing changes in the polar environment and their impact on life.

Chemistry and Theater: An Unconventional View

In 2001, the play “Oxygen,” written by scientists Carl Djerassi and Roald Hoffmann, highlighted the importance of oxygen in our lives. In contrast, Peter Brannen explains in his book “The Story of Carbon Dioxide” the crucial role this chemical compound plays in shaping our planet.

Artificial Intelligence: From Thinking to Impact

Pamela McCorduck’s book “Machines Who Think,” published in 1979, covered the history and development of artificial intelligence, while Karen Hao in her book “The AI Empire” provides a look at the pioneers of this field in the modern era and their impact on our future.

Mathematics: The Language of Science

Tobias Dantzig’s book “Number: The Language of Science,” published in 1930, offered unique insights into mathematical topics such as zero and infinity. In 2025, Raul Rojas presents his book “The Language of Mathematics,” which explores the history of mathematical symbols and how they have become part of our daily lives.

Conclusion

Through this journey into the world of scientific books over the past century, we see how scientific topics have evolved and how they have been influenced by the environment and circumstances of each era. From diseases to artificial intelligence, science remains a key driver in our understanding of the world and in providing solutions to the challenges humanity faces today.