The endeavors of famous scientists are related in these chronological volumes. Readers will learn that Roger Bacon was an early advocate of experimental science; Edward Jenner discovered the first safe smallpox vaccine; physicist Michael Faraday increased our understanding of electromagnetism, and much more. Little information on personal lives is provided; the three-to-seven page articles on each are almost entirely consumed with theories, experiments, and explanations about their respective research. Subjects are almost exclusively from Europe and North America, and few women are included. The scientific language employed—thermodynamics, quantum electrodynamics, and corpuscular conception of light , for example—means those consulting these volumes should already have a working knowledge of the scientist or their work. Nearly all data provided can be found elsewhere, and those interested in more personal details will certainly have to look to other sources. Despite dense text and somewhat tedious reads, these volumes will complement a high school science curriculum nicely, making them suitable additions to reference collections. VERDICT Though there is nothing new offered here, these volumes will satisfy a need for a science reference collection that needs updating.