Specialized Books

This book claims to be a scientific/ philosophical treatment of the mind-brain barrier. The author begins by posing problems in the mind-brain barrier. The body is finite and physical and cannot, even by application of the Uncertainty Principle, explain the known properties of the mind.

The author therefore posits a form of soul as the solution to the mind and the mind-brain barrier. The form of soul is able not only to explain the mind-brain barrier, but evolution itself follows logically from what has been posited.

Philosophically however, the author commits the equivalent of the mathematician's crime of dividing by zero. Firstly I am not convinced that all of his problems with the mind-brain barrier are real or, if they are, are insoluble in terms of conventional science. Secondly his solution is one of a number that could be posited on the same evidence. Furthermore his solution extends far beyond what is required for the original problem. His form of the soul, though not conventional, would be familiar to students of the kaballah.

In summary, the book fails as a work of philosophy and cannot be said to represent a scientific approach. However, at the end of the day that is not what the book is about. What it is about, and in this it possibly succeeds, is that it is an attempt to take Kaballistic theory regarding the soul and tie that in with current knowledge of the body and mind.

Continuing John Barnes' detailed account of the first five years of the cinema in Britain, the pioneers, their inventions, the mushrooming motion picture industry in its infancy. Particularly good on the technical side, but also fascinating social detail. Amazing to discover that in 1897, film cameramen from numerous companies, some from overseas, filmed the procession of Queen Victoria's Diamond Jubilee. This is the second volume of a five-volume series, "Th Beginnings of the Cinema in England". Volumes 2, 3 and 4 are now available from Exeter University Press (UK) who will shortly be publishing a revised edition of Volume One and the first edition of Volume 5. Essential reading for anyone interested in early film studies.

This book is about three inches thick and offers information on almost everything you could possibly ever bring into your house (plant-wise that is). It has in-depth chapters about orchids, cacti, vining plants, and other sub-groups that you'll see in stores; plant problems, propagation methods, general care, and MUCH more. It's the book I flip to first when I need an answer. NOT a beginner's type book, but full of info for those who want to dig deeper into their hobby. LOTS of reading here, so it's not for the faint of heart, but it has lots of pictures and drawings to help out too. Highly recommended.

Type your review in the space below:
(maximum of 1,000 words)

Excellent, detailed descriptions on the hard to identify Bank Note issues, Washington Franklin issues and Press Waste stamps.

Scott has valued stamps on the grade of "Very Fine" for the past several issue of the Scott catalogs. Although grading of stamps is very subjective, there are references included to show what classifies as "Very Fine". Most collections do not have "Very Fine" stamps, especially in the early issues. Scott should give some consideration to also giving values of stamps with less than "Very Fine" centering.

The minimum value for stamps has been changed to 20¢, which is not really an accurate reflection of the market, but can be used as a guideline.

Even with a few faults, this is still the most informative book on US stamps available. It is not too confusing and even a novice can use the references to accurately identify their stamps.

A good looking well illustrated catalogue covering the issues of the golden age of philately from 1840 to 1940. Useful and informative sometimes including prices for sets both mounted and unmounted mint and in a number of cases also values on cover. Also notes those issues which have been especially subject to forgery. A good workaday catalogue. Does not have the enormous level of specialized information that say the Michel Specialized Germany will have on German stamps but that is not the intention of this work nor does it inclued numbers issued. Prices quoted are generally on the low side sometimes too low but perhaps reflect the price you may expect to pay for these issues and may also counterbalance the inflated figures listed in other publications. The introductory notes cover the question of pricing. Overall, a useful working reference.

This book has the basic review for the SSHSAT test for the specialized high schools. However, unlike the Barrons book, it does not have enough practice examples. This book, to me, can only be used to resharpen your formulas and ideas, not to actually practice. The questions are way to easy, even a fifth grader can do it! You should buy this book in supplement to the Barrons book to review what you do not remember. I rate this book OK.
The good news is that I got into Brooklyn Tech with the two books. If you study over the summer, like I did, I think you would have a really good chance in getting in. Good Luck to all who wants to take the test. :)

Although this book doesn't cover the most sophisticated aspects of pruning in detail (like grafting), it will give you a firm grasp of the basics, including when to prune, and how to do it. Various general types of trees are treated, like conifers, deciduous trees, fruits, bushes, etc. Simple yet attractive line drawings fill the book and are very helpful.

I like this book because it gives lists of which plants like which exposure (south, north, etc.) A reference section of good indoor plants to have is included. Also includes tips on what to look for when buying plants, suggested window arrangements and room locations for plants. May be too basic for the advanced indoor gardener, but it's great for beginners.

This is an excellent book for the identification of Tephritidae. It contains nice illustrations and ecological comments. Although the nomoclature is a little bit out of date, you can identify almost every species flying around.