#science reading

"The first-ever Scientific American Summer Reading Challenge begins on June 1 and ends on August 31. We challenge you to read along with the staff and check off boxes on the bingo card below"

If you need some inspirations, I have collected a list of my personal favorite science and science history books into a reading list based on topic

History of Astronomy and Space

History of Physics

History of Medicine

History of Mathematics

History of Biology, Chemistry, and Genetics

History of the Natural World

I will have a subjective take on this because wildlife management as a part of my curriculum in school, and I grew up in parts of rural townships while also living in more urbanized areas; I have volunteered tiem as an animal rehab specialist and have seen soem heinous stuff, too.

This piece of research holds a lot of empathy towards what western society has lablled as problematic pests--colonialism and imperialism are explaine throughut the book as major contributors to the imagery these animals are burdened with and often are themselves the pyhscial carriers of invaive species through conquest and mass export/import practices. It was refreshing to see such a globalised historical context be brought forth throughout the research.

I particularly enjoyed the range of animals chosen for this work--few people realise that there are countries that consider elephants as major pests simply for coexisting with flimsy securities (both for community farmers and the wildlife) due to economic pressures. It also highlights bears as a newer pest animal because as we encroach our suburban sprawl on their territory, these large animals, who will protect themselves and their young, will behave accordingly. 

I really loved the chapter on pidgeons. Whil I myself have never had much interaction with pidgeons, there is smething truly upsettign knowing that western society bred them into existnce only to damn them to live on their own. A lot of the animals we consider as pests as intelligent, intuitive, and resilient and it makes it even more devastating to see how we treat these creatures.

This book teaches a lot of empathy--reading about Coyote 632, who was pregnant upon death, threw me into sobs. This is a great book to share with someone who may not have formulated opinions on pest management in western cultures or the difference between white saviorism in African ecosystems.