Bücher von John Harris

An Anglican clergyman and fellow of the Royal Society, John Harris (c.1666-1719) was an important promulgator of Newtonian science, through private teaching, public lectures and published writing. His Lexicon Technicum (1704) may be considered the first encyclopaedia in English. In the present work, published in 1719, Harris presents for his well-to-do readership a series of didactic conservations between a gentleman of science and an aristocratic lady. He aims to induce 'persons of birth and fortune' to dedicate some of their 'happy leisure ... to the improvement of their minds', and uses quotes from poets such as Samuel Butler and John Dryden to help elucidate scientific concepts. In particular, Harris explains the use of contemporary scientific apparatus (and expensive status symbols) such as terrestrial and celestial globes. The book ends with a description of the ultimate contemporary symbol of scientific refinement: the orrery, a working model of the solar system.

This book presents an investigation of a number of areas of interest in the study of language change, dealing in particular with questions of how patterns of pronunciation vary across both time and space. It will thus be of interest to English language specialists as well as to historical linguists, sociolinguists and phonologists.

This relates the development of medieval drama - both Christian and pagan - to the contemporary society and the Christian Church. It provides an overview of the opinions of modern scholars regarding the content, structure and staging of medieval plays, locating the drama within its social context.

John Harris presents a defence of cloning, by exposing the rhetorical nature of the arguments against it. He tackles each of the myths in turn and argues that some of the most cherished human values, such as the right to start a family and freedom from state control, actually support the case for cloning.

A critical survey of the issues in a controversial field, "The Value of Life" explores the dilemmas in current medical practice and research. Harris argues for a radical reappraisal of our ways of thinking about medical ethics.

This book gives a comprehensive picture of social work in its new guise as a quasi-public enterprise, and is an invaluable resource for social work and social policy students, practice teachers, trainers and managers.