San Antonio College Library

Minerals existed long before any forms of life, playing a key role in the origin and evolution of life; an interaction with biological systems that we are only now beginning to understand. Exploring the traditional strand of mineralogy, which emphasizes the important mineral families, the well-established analytical methods (optical microscopy and X-ray diffraction) and the dramatic developments made in techniques over recent decades, David Vaughan...

Many health claims are made about vitamins and minerals, and the claims made in commercials and the internet confuse as much as they clarify. The Goldsteins discuss what vitamins and minerals do for your body, and then explain the Recommended Daily Allowances (RDAs). They then provide an A-Z examination of, first the minerals from Boron to Sodium, and then the vitamins from A to Zinc.

Presents descriptions of a variety of rocks, minerals, and crystals, with information on distinctive features, composition, and physical properties.

"Minerals are the building blocks of rocks - they make up the solid Earth's crust. Understanding Minerals & Crystals takes a close look at minerals, how they form, why they differ and how to go about identifying them. It begins by examining the nature of atoms and the way they bind together to form minerals with distinctive crystal structures; and it discusses the nature and classification of these crystals, and includes a mineral identification key....

Chapters include how fossils form, tracks, trails and footprints, rare and unusual finds, existing evidence of evaluation, rock types and much more.

Helium was the first element ever discovered by astronomers. Its presence was first indicated in the Sun and not on Earth. Further, its discovery marked the birth of the new science of astrophysics. However, it turns out that the events leading to the discovery of helium have been rather misrepresented in books, journals, and even encyclopedias. The usual story about its joint discovery during a solar eclipse in 1868 by French astronomer Pierre Janssen...

Few of us realize that every time we flip on a switch, we burn a lump of coal--our shiny white iPod economy is propped up by dirty black rocks. Despite a legacy that has claimed millions of lives and ravaged the environment, coal has become hot again. Our desire to find a homegrown alternative to Mideast oil, the rising cost of oil and natural gas, and the mood in Washington will soon push our coal consumption through the roof. Because we have failed...

"Meteorites have long been seen as portents of fate and messages from the gods, their fiery remains inspiring worship and giving rise to legends that have persisted for millennia. But beyond the lore, meteorites tell an even greater story: that of our solar system. In Meteorite, geologist Tim Gregory shows that beneath the charred crusts of these celestial stones lies a staggering diversity of rock types. Gregory explores the world of meteorites to...

Nutritional ergogenic aids are defined as dietary components that are ingested in order to enhance or improve exercise and/or sports performance. Presents findings on nonnutritional ergogenic aids and available information on nutritional ergogenic aids. Discusses banned foodstuffs and pharmacological substances, macronutrients, vitamins, metabolic intermediates, minerals, amino acids, dietary substances not required in human metabolism, etc.

The story of the two robot vehicles, Spirit and Opportunity, that were sent to explore Mars, lasting far past their projected lives of 3 months and sending back invaluable images of the environmentally hostile planet.