Any recommendations for books giving a general history of any of the natural sciences, with a particular attention to how the great biologists, botanists, and zoologists, etc. approached problems of classification and conceptualization of their phenomena (e.g. like how Linnaeus came up with his taxonomy)? Not looking for great technical detail so much as how these scientists thought and responded to each others' thoughts.
posted by shivohum on Jul 12, 2009 - 17 answers

Can anyone recommend a good book about the evolution of sexual reproduction? [more inside]
posted by shakespeherian on Jul 11, 2009 - 9 answers

I'd like to learn about biology. Can you recommend some books to get me started? [more inside]
posted by SamuelBowman on Jun 30, 2009 - 21 answers

I’m trying to remember the name of a set of themed encyclopedias for children from my childhood. [more inside]
posted by studentbaker on Mar 9, 2009 - 11 answers

I'm going to college soon. (Age 24; been working a desk job in health care since I was 18.) I've got an inkling I want to study biology. Recommend me some books to help me get the lay of the land and get fired up about this. [more inside]
posted by Attackpanda on Apr 4, 2008 - 23 answers

Massive, gorgeous book of illustrated biological species and specimens, possibly Victorian-era, found at Z Gallerie a year or so ago -- help! [more inside]
posted by changeling on Jan 16, 2008 - 8 answers