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This test consists of 5 short answer questions, 10 short essay questions, and 1 (of 3) essay topics.

Short Answer Questions

1. The "probability" nature of quantum physics bothered what physicist who thought a some point a quantum theory of certitudes would be developed?

2. Quantum physics first emerged in what year?

3. The first step in the exploration of intergalactic space was taken by what mathematician?

4. According to the author in Chapter 19, what has demonstrated that man cannot be a detached observer?

5. When was René Descartes born?

Short Essay Questions

1. What discoveries did Charles Darwin make on his five-year expedition described in Chapter 13: "The Age of the Earth"?

2. How does the author compare telescopes and accelerators in Chapter 17: "The Axis of History"?

3. How are nebulae defined in Chapter 8: "Deep Space"? What are the different classes of nebulae?

4. What does the author assert man has always speculated about in Chapter 18: "The Origin of the Universe"?

5. What does the author assert to be the scientist's method and approach in Chapter 20: "The Persistence of Mystery"?

6. Why did Darwin delay the publication of "The Origin of the Species" according to the author in Chapter 14: "The Evolution of Atoms and Stars"?

7. What does the author state mankind has come to with the universe in Chapter 20: "The Persistence of Mystery"? Why?

8. What schools of thought does the author describe regarding elliptical nebulae in Chapter 9: "Island Universes"?

9. What were the main premises of "The Origin of the Species," according to the author in Chapter 13: "The Age of the Earth"?

10. Who associated the red-shift of the galaxies with Einstein's relativity, according to the author in Chapter 12: "Sermons in Stones"?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Discuss Copernican astronomy and Galileo's later years in house arrest. How long did Galileo live under house arrest? What were his feelings about the situation? Who placed Galileo under house arrest? Why?

Essay Topic 2

Describe and discuss the work of William Parsons, Isaac Roberts and James Keeler. Who developed the nebular hypothesis? How is it defined? What are the two theories about elliptical nebulae and who developed them?

Essay Topic 3

Describe and discuss the journey of Captain James Cook in 1768. Who funded Cook's voyage? What was determined by the trip? How did this voyage further the sciences? What impact did it have on history?

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