Tuesday, February 17, 2009
The Invention of Air
by Steven Johnson
This book examines the life of Joseph Priestly, the scientist who discovered the relationship between plants, oxygen, carbon dioxide, and mammals. Priestly lived during the American Revolution and his ideas about politics, science, and theology help shape the beliefs of Thomas Jefferson and other American founders.
The book in a nut shell is: Smart guy finds plants release oxygen, writes about religion and politics that piss people off, immigrates to US, is friends with Thomas Jefferson.
I was not very impressed with this book. It lacked a compelling story or an eye opening revelation. For me, the high point of the book was touching on the relationship of Thomas Jefferson and John Adams. I was interested in their falling out and the debate via letters they had 10 years after Priestly died.
This book examines the life of Joseph Priestly, the scientist who discovered the relationship between plants, oxygen, carbon dioxide, and mammals. Priestly lived during the American Revolution and his ideas about politics, science, and theology help shape the beliefs of Thomas Jefferson and other American founders.
The book in a nut shell is: Smart guy finds plants release oxygen, writes about religion and politics that piss people off, immigrates to US, is friends with Thomas Jefferson.
I was not very impressed with this book. It lacked a compelling story or an eye opening revelation. For me, the high point of the book was touching on the relationship of Thomas Jefferson and John Adams. I was interested in their falling out and the debate via letters they had 10 years after Priestly died.
