The Biological Universe: The Twentieth Century Extraterrestrial Life Debate and the Limits of Science

Description

Throughout the twentieth century, from the furor over Percival Lowell's claim of canals on Mars to the sophisticated Search for Extraterrestrial Intelligence, otherworldly life has often intrigued and occasionally consumed science and the public. The Biological Universe provides a rich and colorful history of the attempts during the twentieth century to answer questions such as whether "biological law" reigns throughout the universe and whether there are other histories, religions, and philosophies outside those on Earth. Covering a broad range of topics, including the search for life in the solar system, the origins of life, UFOs, and aliens in science fiction, Steven J. Dick shows how the concept of extraterrestrial intelligence is a world view of its own, a "biophysical cosmology" that seeks confirmation no less than physical views of the universe. This book will fascinate astronomers, historians of science, biochemists, and science fiction readers.

' ... we are challenged to think ... these challenges will be the book's strength and delight even for those who have not bothered with ET and all that.' Christopher J. Corbally, S. J., JHA 'As a source book this readable history is to be recommended, it is not just a science history but an intellectual and popular culture story.' Anders Hansson, Spaceflight 'As a source book this readable history is to be recommended, it is not just a science history but an intellectual and popular culture story.' Spaceflight 'The book ... contains useful historical references and many interesting comments, and will be appreciated by non-scientific devotees of the extraterrestrial life debate.' Irish Astronomical Journal 'Well researched and clearly written ... I recommend it to any who have more than just a passing interest in the history of the extraterrestrial life debate in the twentieth century.' Peter Stanley, Astronomy Now 'Steven J. Dicks masterpiece The Biological Universe... provides a wonderful account of the idea of life on Mars which abounded earlier this century and also discusses the role of the extraterrestrial in the literature ... This is a rare SETI book in that it can be easily digested by both the enthusiast and the professional alike. If I had to recommend a book for the serious SETI enthusiast to start with then The Biological Universe is it.' Modern Astronomer ' ... Dick, then, has written a large, ambitious and outstanding book.' Studies in History and Philosophy of Science