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  Nicolaus Copernicus: The Life...

  Charles River Editors

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  Today, Nicolaus Copernicus is remembered as the scientific innovator who championed the heliocentric model with the Sun at the center of the solar system, but it’s often forgotten that the risk of openly rebutting the longstanding beliefs and teachings of medieval mathematicians and the Church compelled him to only publish his theories near the end of his life. Through years of careful observation and mathematical analysis, he had become convinced that many of the discrepancies of traditional astronomy could be solved if the Sun, rather than Earth, occupied the central position. In his model, Earth was simply another planet moving around the Sun while also rotating on its axis.  
  	This seemingly simple change carried enormous implications, because if Earth was in motion, then humanity’s world was no longer the fixed center of the cosmos. In the same vein, the development of this theory required extraordinary intellectual courage, not only because the heliocentric model contradicted centuries of accepted authority, but because many theologians had embraced the geocentric worldview. Anyone who challenged the geocentric model would run afoul of the Church, which was still the most powerful authority in Europe, as Galileo Galilei would find out decades after Copernicus’ death.  
  	As a result, Copernicus proceeded cautiously, refining his ideas over decades rather than rushing them into print. His reluctance reflected both scholarly perfectionism and an awareness of the controversy his work might provoke. Eventually, he completed one of the most important scientific texts ever published, De revolutionibus orbium coelestium (On the Revolutions of the Heavenly Spheres), which systematically presented his heliocentric model and offered detailed mathematical arguments in its defense. Copernicus’ work is now considered so important to the development of modern science that some historians have even described the era as the “Copernican Revolution.”

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  Starved for Light - The Long...

  Christian Warren

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  A wide-ranging history of rickets tracks the disease’s emergence, evolution, and eventual treatment—and exposes the backstory behind contemporary worries about vitamin D deficiency. Rickets, a childhood disorder that causes soft and misshapen bones, transformed from an ancient but infrequent threat to a common scourge during the Industrial Revolution. Factories, mills, and urban growth transformed the landscape. Malnutrition and insufficient exposure to sunlight led to severe cases of rickets across Europe and the United States, affecting children in a variety of settings: dim British cities and American slave labor camps, moneyed households and impoverished ones. By the late 1800s, it was one of the most common pediatric diseases, seemingly an intractable consequence of modern life. Starved for Light offers the first comprehensive history of this disorder. Tracing the efforts to understand, prevent, and treat rickets—first with the traditional remedy of cod liver oil, then with the application of a breakthrough corrective, industrially produced vitamin D supplements—Christian Warren places the disease at the center of a riveting medical history, one alert to the ways society shapes our views on illness. 
   
  
  Sweeping and engaging, Starved for Light illuminates the social conditions underpinning our cures and our choices, helping us to see history’s echoes in contemporary prescriptions.

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  Distributed Ledger Technology -...

  SAM CAMPBELL

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  “Distributed Ledger Technology" is the definitive guide for anyone looking to grasp the complex world of distributed ledger technology (DLT). 
  Key features of the book include:Understanding the Basics: An introduction to the fundamental concepts of distributed ledgers, including the technology's origins, how it works, and key terminology.Blockchain and Beyond: A deep dive into blockchain, the most recognized form of DLT, and an exploration of other types of distributed ledgers, highlighting their unique features and applications.Cryptography in DLT: An explanation of the role of cryptography in ensuring the security and integrity of transactions on a distributed ledger.Consensus Mechanisms: A detailed look at how distributed networks achieve agreement on the validity of transactions, covering various consensus mechanisms such as Proof of Work, Proof of Stake, and others.Smart Contracts: An introduction to smart contracts, self-executing contracts with the terms of the agreement directly written into code, and their potential to automate and streamline processes.DLT in Practice: Examination of real-world applications of DLT across various sectors, showcasing how this technology is being used to solve longstanding issues and create new opportunities.Challenges and Considerations: Discussion of the challenges facTing DLT adoption, including scalability, regulatory hurdles, and privacy concerns, along with potential solutions.The Future of DLT: Insights into emerging trends, future applications, and the potential societal impacts of widespread DLT adoption. 
  This book will deepen your understanding and spark your imagination about the possibilities of a more decentralized and transparent digital future.

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  ENTANGLED REALITIES - The...

  Govind Pathak

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  In the beginning, there was wonder. 
  Before mathematics had its symbols and before physics had its laws, humanity looked up at the stars and asked the oldest questions: What is this universe? Why does it behave the way it does? What governs the rising sun, the falling apple, or the arc of a thrown spear? 
  Out of this awe, two great languages of understanding were born. One used precision and abstraction. The other used observation and experimentation. Mathematics and physics siblings in the search for truth grew side by side, sometimes in harmony, sometimes in tension.

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  Distributed Ledger Technology -...

  Richard Carrey

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  Embark on a journey through the decentralized frontier with "Distributed Ledger Technology" This comprehensive guide unravels the intricacies of Distributed Ledger Technology (DLT), offering a deep dive into the revolutionary world of blockchain and its transformative impact on diverse industries. 
  Starting with the foundations of DLT, the book demystifies complex concepts such as blockchain, hash functions, and cryptography, providing readers with a solid understanding of the technological underpinnings. Explore the evolution of consensus mechanisms, from traditional Proof of Work to innovative approaches like Proof of Stake, and understand the significance of smart contracts in reshaping digital landscapes. 
  Delve into real-world applications as the book navigates through the finance sector, showcasing the rise of cryptocurrencies, digital assets, and the disruptive force of decentralized finance (DeFi). Beyond finance, witness how DLT is reshaping healthcare, supply chain management, real estate, and even voting systems, ushering in an era of transparency, security, and efficiency. 
  However, the journey isn't without challenges. Uncover the scalability issues, security concerns, and the evolving regulatory landscape that accompany the rise of decentralized systems. From the environmental impact to privacy considerations, the book addresses the ethical dimensions of DLT, ensuring a balanced exploration of its potential risks and rewards. 
  "Distributed Ledger Technology" is not just a book; it's a roadmap to the future, inviting readers to join the decentralized movement and navigate the ever-expanding horizons of Distributed Ledger Technology. Whether you're a tech enthusiast, business leader, or simply curious about the next wave of innovation, this book is your gateway to understanding and participating in the decentralized revolution. 
    
   

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  The Soul of a Lion - Reflections...

  Willie Labuschagne

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  The Soul of a Lion, an engaging memoir by Willie Labuschagne, is an exhilarating journey which begins with the young conservationist's unique experiences with wild animals. From his groundbreaking research on the desert cheetah's behaviour and ecology to becoming an internationally respected consultant on environmental and wildlife-related issues, he holds the reader's attention with all the skill of the master storyteller.
  The numerous occasions when Willie faced potentially life-threatening situations with wild animals are vividly recounted, many of them wryly humorous while others evoke deep emotion.
  But not all animal encounters took place in the wild. A significant and poignant encounter that further inspired Willie's approach to conservation occurred when, during his time as director of the Johannesburg Zoo, he and his family hand-raised a newborn lion cub that had been rejected by its mother.
  He recalls the countless obstacles put in his way by the bureaucratic nature of his own species during his tenure at the zoo. But despite numerous challenges he persisted in his goal of transforming and improving zoological institutions. A driving force behind the changing nature of professionally managed zoological gardens, Willie's book reminds us that, while many of the world's zoos should be unconditionally closed, progressive modern zoos are becoming increasingly aligned to wildlife conservation: they are vital for ensuring the survival of threatened species.
  Willie shares his entertaining and often moving life experiences with warmth and understanding, whether it is sleeping under the stars with the bushmen of the Kgalagadi desert or observing the traditions of the Zulu Royal House. His travels in the African landscape in particular are an exciting panorama of many distinctive habitats, from the relentless desert of the Skeleton Coast in Namibia to the pristine beauty of the Tsitsikamma Forest and the breathtaking vastness of the African bushveld.
  Importantly, he is forthright in his view of the critical position of the world we live in and the future it holds for mankind and believes that we are all part of a custodianship which should do everything in its power to protect our fragile environment.
  Willie Labuschagne, a man with the soul of a lion, is a dedicated and internationally celebrated wildlife conservationist who holds a master's degree in wildlife management. For more than five decades he has been actively involved in the conservation of threatened species for which he has received national and international recognition, culminating in numerous awards.

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