Books with author William Neenan

A book that finally demystifies Newton’s experiments in alchemyWhen Isaac Newton’s alchemical papers surfaced at a Sotheby’s auction in 1936, the quantity and seeming incoherence of the manuscripts were shocking. No longer the exemplar of Enlightenment rationality, the legendary physicist suddenly became “the last of the magicians.” Newton the Alchemist unlocks the secrets of Newton’s alchemical quest, providing a radically new understanding of the uncommon genius who probed nature at its deepest levels in pursuit of empirical knowledge.In this evocative and superbly written book, William Newman blends in-depth analysis of newly available texts with laboratory replications of Newton’s actual experiments in alchemy. He does not justify Newton’s alchemical research as part of a religious search for God in the physical world, nor does he argue that Newton studied alchemy to learn about gravitational attraction. Newman traces the evolution of Newton’s alchemical ideas and practices over a span of more than three decades, showing how they proved fruitful in diverse scientific fields. A precise experimenter in the realm of “chymistry,” Newton put the riddles of alchemy to the test in his lab. He also used ideas drawn from the alchemical texts to great effect in his optical experimentation. In his hands, alchemy was a tool for attaining the material benefits associated with the philosopher’s stone and an instrument for acquiring scientific knowledge of the most sophisticated kind.Newton the Alchemist provides rare insights into a man who was neither Enlightenment rationalist nor irrational magus, but rather an alchemist who sought through experiment and empiricism to alter nature at its very heart.

A book that finally demystifies Newton’s experiments in alchemyWhen Isaac Newton’s alchemical papers surfaced at a Sotheby’s auction in 1936, the quantity and seeming incoherence of the manuscripts were shocking. No longer the exemplar of Enlightenment rationality, the legendary physicist suddenly became “the last of the magicians.” Newton the Alchemist unlocks the secrets of Newton’s alchemical quest, providing a radically new understanding of the uncommon genius who probed nature at its deepest levels in pursuit of empirical knowledge.In this evocative and superbly written book, William Newman blends in-depth analysis of newly available texts with laboratory replications of Newton’s actual experiments in alchemy. He does not justify Newton’s alchemical research as part of a religious search for God in the physical world, nor does he argue that Newton studied alchemy to learn about gravitational attraction. Newman traces the evolution of Newton’s alchemical ideas and practices over a span of more than three decades, showing how they proved fruitful in diverse scientific fields. A precise experimenter in the realm of “chymistry,” Newton put the riddles of alchemy to the test in his lab. He also used ideas drawn from the alchemical texts to great effect in his optical experimentation. In his hands, alchemy was a tool for attaining the material benefits associated with the philosopher’s stone and an instrument for acquiring scientific knowledge of the most sophisticated kind.Newton the Alchemist provides rare insights into a man who was neither Enlightenment rationalist nor irrational magus, but rather an alchemist who sought through experiment and empiricism to alter nature at its very heart.

We live in dark times. Christians wonder: Are the best days of the Christian faith behind us? Has modernity made Christian thought irrelevant and impotent? Is society beyond all hope of redemption and renewal? In Renaissance, Os Guinness declares no. Throughout history, the Christian faith has transformed entire cultures and civilizations, building cathedrals and universities, proclaiming God's goodness, beauty and truth through art and literature, science, and medicine. The Christian faith may similarly change the world again today. The church can be revived to become a renewing power in our society - if we answer the call to a new Christian renaissance that challenges darkness with the hope of Christian faith. In this hopeful appeal for cultural transformation, Guinness shares opportunities for Christians, on both local and global levels, to win back the West and to contribute constructively to the human future. Hearkening back to similar pivotal points in history, Guinness encourages Christians in the quest for societal change. Each chapter closes with thought-provoking discussion questions and a brief, heart-felt prayer that challenges and motivates us to take action in our lives today.

Geordie likes baseball, crunching carrots, playing the trumpet in the school band and anything to do with water. Not quite telling the truth earns: "You're grounded!" Over the year that follows, the world's truths turn out to be more interesting than Geordie ever imagined. Some discoveries are comic, some are exciting, some upsetting, some sad. And some are puzzling. Consisting of word puzzles, a series of poems and a diary, this book will delight young readers and teenagers alike. William H. New's books have won widespread international recognition and, for his contributions in the field of Canadian writing, he was appointed an Officer of the Order of Canada.

IT IS 1970, and Tokitae, a magnificent four-year-old orca, is torn away from her family in the gray, choppy waters of Puget Sound – a ruthless capture operation involving 90 other killer whales. She is immediately transported to the Miami Seaquarium, renamed Lolita, and trained to perform circus tricks for unwitting audiences in the world’s smallest orca tank. Day after day, she toils in the unrelenting heat and blistering sun, her only escape the enduring friendship of two spirited kids, Olivia and Warren, who help Lolita cope with the endless boredom, depression, and loneliness. But as months turn to years – and years to decades – Lolita’s strength and resilience begin to fade. She wonders if her ordeal will ever end. And if it does, will she ever see her family again?

Eoghan is eight years old and visits his Granddad Tommy’s farm for the summer. He has visited before with his brothers, Jason and Conor, and they love being there. This time, something is different. A new dog on the farm, a giant of a beast named Bruno, begins to talk to Eoghan. Eoghan’s communication with Bruno and other animals opens the door to many secrets at Granddad Tommy’s farm — bringing Eoghan endless joy, and endless problems.

IT IS 1970, and Tokitae, a magnificent four-year-old orca, is torn away from her family in the gray, choppy waters of Puget Sound – a ruthless capture operation involving 90 other killer whales. She is immediately transported to the Miami Seaquarium, renamed Lolita, and trained to perform circus tricks for unwitting audiences in the world’s smallest orca tank. Day after day, she toils in the unrelenting heat and blistering sun, her only escape the enduring friendship of two spirited kids, Olivia and Warren, who help Lolita cope with the endless boredom, depression, and loneliness. But as months turn to years – and years to decades – Lolita’s strength and resilience begin to fade. She wonders if her ordeal will ever end. And if it does, will she ever see her family again?