Crystals and Light:
An Introduction to the Optical
Crystallography, E. Wood, D. Van Nostrand Company, Inc. Princeton, N.J.
A nicely illustrated book on crystals and their appearance in crossed-polarized light. Gives an account of symmetry in general and crystals and their properties. Talks about X-rays and optical techniques in investigating
M.C. Escher Kaleidocycles:
17 models of Escher graphics and the story of how they were devised. D.Schattschneider and W.Walker, Tarquin Publications 1978.
A very beautifully illustrated book showing Eschers work and developed into a colorful set of three-dimensional models the reader can make for himself. The three dimensional models are each illustrated with Escher’s magical, repeating patterns.
Powers of Ten:
About the Relative Size of Things in the Universe. P.M.Morrison and P.Morrison and the Office of Charles and Ray Eams.
A beautiful collection of pictures illustrating relationships of size among objects in our universe. Makes sterile numbers come alive in stunning, concrete pictures. Shows a relationship between very small things and very large things. Shows the powers of ten with clarity. Children will get an appreciation of size.
The Dancing WuLi Masters:
An Overview of the New Physics, G.Zukav, Bamtam New Age Books 1979.
A great book that explains recent breakthroughs of science understandable for the layperson.
Light and Color
, R.D. Overheim and D.L. Wagner. John Wiley & Sons, Inc. N.Y. 1982
The emphasis of this book is on color, how light is produced and how the eye-brain system registers it. The emphasis is scientific although they try to explain it to the non-scientific person.
Gems made by Man
, K. Nassau. Chilton Book Company, Radnor Penn. The story of mans effort to duplicate gems. The efforts of the scientist who toiled to create perfection not just imitation, but synthetic gemstones with the same chemical composition, crystal structure and appearance as naturally occurring diamonds, rubies, sapphires, emeralds, opals and other precious stones.
The process of crystal growth is discussed and how to distinguish natural stones from synthetic ones.
The book is beautifully illustrated with colorful pictures and is an asset in helping to identify crystals. Dictionary of Physics, edited by Valerie H.Pitt. Penguin Books 1986. A handy, good resource book for teachers, especially science teachers. Gives good illustrations and definitions. Handy to have in the classroom as the need for it will always arise.
Man-made Crystals
, J.E. Arems, Smithsonian Institution Press, Washington, D.C. 1973
A beautifully illustrated book showing all the man-made gems and the uses for these in today’s technological world. Relies minimally on technical language and explanations.
Shapes
, Space and Symmetry. A.Holden, Columbia University Press, N.Y. 1971.
A book that examines the nine regular solids. Has many mesmeric pictures and geometrical solids. Gives some guidelines in how to design and make these shapes.
