Best engineering books according to redditors

We found 260 Reddit comments discussing the best engineering books. We ranked the 64 resulting products by number of redditors who mentioned them. Here are the top 20.

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Subcategories:

Architecture books
Scientific measurement books
Engineering patents & inventions books
Books on American National Standards Institute (ANSI) Publications
Engineering research books
Engineering & technology history books

Top Reddit comments about Engineering Reference:

u/improbablydrunknlw · 37 pointsr/preppers

The Knowledge: How to Rebuild Our World from Scratch https://www.amazon.ca/dp/159420523X/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_i_I43RCbJ5WTTD6

u/BrianMcClellan · 23 pointsr/Fantasy

Gunpowder: Alchemy, Bombards, and Pyrotechnics: The History of the Explosive that Changed the World. I read it after deciding to base my next writing project around mages who could imbibe common gunpowder to gain powers. Was very enjoyable and informative read.

Currently reading How We Got to Now: Six Innovations That Made the Modern World, which is going to influence my next trilogy (set a little further along in the Powder Mage universe's industrial revolution) a great deal.

u/utzi · 12 pointsr/pics

Try a Pocket Ref. It's so packed full of amazing stuff. So much information, tables, charts, graphs, conversions.... super useful.

u/[deleted] · 12 pointsr/Skookum

I've got a few editions, including the forth edition.

It beats Google for information clustering, even though Google has more answers. I think only Wolfram Alpha is able to match it on that.

Opened up mine to use the perpetual calendar only to flip through the trig section and end up on the section telling how to give CPR to small pets to revive them. it's crazy what's included in that thing.

u/Missgreenwalt · 11 pointsr/NoStupidQuestions

According to the book How We Got to Now, people only realized they needed glasses after the printing press was invented—as books became more abundant, people had to focus their eyes on the letters up close (versus looking at their herds from afar, or something similar) and began realizing their sight was blurry. Unfortunately, glasses didn't exist at the time, but that's what spurred their invention.

So some people didn't really know they had poor eyesight. I'd bet they just lived with it, thinking it was typical.

u/thelurkingdead · 10 pointsr/Transhuman

Eric Drexler's Engines of Creation, which is mentioned, is a jaw dropping book about what could be possible when this technology develops.

The biggest hurdle is advanced mechanosynthesis. Unfortunately progress on mechanosynthesis beyond the basic 2003 proof of concept mentioned has been disappointing so far. It will be a revolution of revolutions when we get it.

u/drepamig · 10 pointsr/engineering

Shigley's is great for learning how to design and why you design the way you do. It's the book I used in college and still reference at work. I'm not so sure it'd be great for a novice engineer. For a more practical approach, I'd recommend a few below (not necessarily in this order):

  1. Machinery's Handbook - This is regularly seen as the [mechanical] engineer's bible. It has nearly everything you'd need to know for design. Most of the machinists used this in a shop I used to work in. Nearly every engineer in my current job (and there are a hundred or more) have a copy of this at their desk.
  2. Pocket Reference - This is kind of (loosely) like Machinery's Handbook but much more broad. It covers a little bit of everything from engineering, to vehicle maintenance, to plumbing. I like it for it's all-around information.
  3. Handyman In-Your-Pocket - this is by the same author as #2 but is tailored to the building trades. I also have this but I haven't used it much yet. Not because it's not useful, just because I haven't gotten around to it.
  4. Marks' Standard Handbook for Mech. Engineers - I have an old copy of this book from the 80s, I believe, that my dad gave to me. It is also on the same order as Machinery's Handbook, but instead of covering EVERYTHING, it goes into more depth about the topics it does cover. If I remember correctly, it covers topics ranging from how to make a weldment to how to design a power generating steam boiler and turbine.
  5. Solutions to Design of Weldments - This is a new one to me. I recently went to the Blodgett Welding Design Seminar and this was one of the reference materials they handed out. I had a few text book sized design guides by Omer Blodgett that I've often used, but this one seems to take all of the info from those books and condense it down to a handbook. Best part is that it's only $3.50 for a copy and I think (but I'm not sure) that it ships for free.

    A nice free reference manual that includes all sorts of design equations is the NCEES reference handbook. I used it back when I took my FE exam (the first exam you take before you become what's call a "Professional Engineer" in the US). It's a nice PDF to have around, though it doesn't go into a lot of explanation as to what the equations are.

    A few web resources I use are: http://www.engineeringtoolbox.com/, http://www.roymech.co.uk/

    I'm sure I'll think of some more and, if I do, I'll update this post.

    Hope that helps.

u/Penguin929 · 9 pointsr/Physics

If you want a textbook Introduction to Elementary Particles by Griffiths has quite a bit in it and has some nice examples worked out. Should be in a university library.

u/bobbingforanapple · 9 pointsr/mildlyinteresting

Have you ever tried pouring water out of a bottle normally vs spinning the bottle to make vortex and pouring it out. The water will pour out faster because of the swirling.

This is an example of biomimetic fluid dynamics. It turns out water doesn’t travel most efficiently in a straight line like we usually try and force it to do. The most direct path of fluids in nature is a curving one. So this design induces a similar swirl to the water so it can drain faster than a more seemingly direct route.

This is the book where I learned this stuff from. It’s quite interesting.
[(https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00E257WF0/ref=dp-kindle-redirect?_encoding=UTF8&btkr=1)]

u/miczajkj · 8 pointsr/askscience

Don't read Feynman. While it's extremely dense and good, it's also very unconventional and hard to understand if you don't know where it's going already.
I'd suggest Griffiths or Zee's Nutshell. While both are technically textbooks, i think you can read them very well without necessarily understanding all calculations.
Of course, those are damn expensive so you should better look for them in a library.

u/Snowtred · 8 pointsr/Physics

I would recommend Introduction to "Elementary Particle Physics" by David Griffiths

Its generally considered a higher-level undergrad book, but as a PhD student I still look at it from time to time, especially if I want to teach a specific subject. He will review the SR and Quantum for you, but at a level that you'd want to have seen it before. There's calc and a little bit of linear algebra, but at such a level that you could learn them for the first time through this text (assuming you've had SOME Calc before)

From there, the next level is sort of "Quarks and Leptons" by Halzen and Martin, which people are generally less excited about, but I enjoyed it.

After that, the top standard that even theorists seem to love is "High Energy Hadron Physics" by Martin Perl, where there are parts of that text that I still struggle with.

u/nastylittleman · 7 pointsr/news

A Most Damnable Invention tells the story of Nobel and dynamite very well.

u/rollingintheshallow · 7 pointsr/EngineeringStudents

I used this book: http://www.amazon.com/Review-Manual-Preparation-Fundamentals-Engineering/dp/1591263336

I focused on stuff in that book that looked less familiar to me, but ultimately went through every chapter the Mechanical discipline would cover. I worked out practice problems and studied the theory behind everything.

Overall, I spent about 2 weeks of light studying and 1 week of hard studying. I allotted a good portion of my winter break to studying, and it was worth it because I handily passed the exam. I did not think it was too tough.

u/ssd5141 · 7 pointsr/engineering

The link below is a book that is supposedly pretty helpful. I haven't used it myself but from what my friends have told me, its the best option. Plus, if you fail the exam (don't do that) they'll give you your money back. And its only 45 bucks, not 150 so much more affordable.

I'm in my senior year and this is the book our professors recommend.

http://www.amazon.com/Review-Manual-Preparation-Fundamentals-Engineering/dp/1591263336/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1457224799&sr=8-1&keywords=FE+exam+Review

u/PostalRIT · 7 pointsr/engineering

Get the NCEES exam handbook (http://www.amazon.com/Supplied-Reference-Handbook-8th-2nd-revision/dp/1932613595/). The big key (to most of engineering / life IMHO) is knowing where / how to find the information, not knowing everything off the top of your head. They give you the same book the day of the exam, so it's very important to know what formula's are there and where they are.

I used FE Review Manual: Rapid Preparation for the Fundamentals of Engineering Exam (http://www.amazon.com/Review-Manual-Preparation-Fundamentals-Engineering/dp/1591263336). It's layout matches the FE exam book so it's important to have both and review using them side by side.

Basis: I passed the FE last October on my first try.

u/bsandberg · 7 pointsr/collapse

This thread is dangerously close to being an invitation to circlejerk. There are a lot of kooks, yes. If anyone's interested in actually learning more, then read one or two books from a man that's very much not a kook.

His first one is available for free to read in a browser here. It's 30 years old, and despite there being a later updated version available somewhere as an ebook to buy, the only chapter in it that's dated is the one where he talks about how we will build some sort of web of pages on networked computers :) This is a great read, and will expand the world view of anyone who hasn't been exposed to the ideas. I'd go so far as to say that people can't meaningfully participate in any serious conversation about the future without basic understanding of the concepts introduced here. Sadly this group seems to include 99% or more of the population.

http://e-drexler.com/d/06/00/EOC/EOC_Table_of_Contents.html

Then the last one, from a year and a half ago, setting the record straight on why progress the last 30 years has been the way it has, calling out and highlighting a lot of bullshit, and charting a course forward. Not as good a read as the first one, but certainly enlightening. It's not available for free, (except on pirate sites, and I suspect Eric wouldn't mind), so here's the Amazon link.

http://www.amazon.com/Radical-Abundance-Revolution-Nanotechnology-Civilization/dp/1610391136/

If anyone reads this, and posts questions or challenges or anything serious, I'll volunteer to check the thread and reply to each of you.

u/CanadianGunner · 7 pointsr/preppers
u/peter-pickle · 6 pointsr/askscience

It isn't possible with current technology.

BUT (read Engines of Creation)-
We eventually will have that ability with molecular nanotechnology (ie nanites not carbon nanotubes) ... What that is, is a long discussion but the important bit to it is it would give us the ability to work on problems with cells in the body or dna en mass to do just about whatever we wanted to our bodies including addressing the several causes of aging. 20 years ago they said that it was 50 years away, although it's nearly impossible to guess these things.

The only ways to stave off overpopulation I can think of if mortality is off the table is to not have more kids, create more environment (off planet, underground etc) - which coincidentally becomes pretty possible with molecular nanotechnology, or change the nature of what it is to be human. It's hard to imagine but you could for example go virtual and move in and out of your body if you could model the human brain and how to translate that to and from the structures of the brain.
Sounds way too good to be true but if you achieve the technology there's really no reason for it all not to be possible since it radically affects so many of our abilities.

u/Simcurious · 6 pointsr/Futurology

I'm reading Drexler's new book Radical Abundance (2013), it's quite good. Except perhaps for the chapters dedicated to the difference between science and engineering, which i thought were too long.

http://www.amazon.com/Radical-Abundance-Revolution-Nanotechnology-Civilization/dp/1610391136

He counters many of the claims made by his detractors. Explaining how it's often just a case of misunderstanding.

u/mechtonia · 6 pointsr/AskEngineers

"If engineering were easy, they would have sent a boy with a note."

Seriously there aren't any shortcuts. Either you learn the fundamentals or you don't. But if you want a really good general reference book, get The Mechanical Engineering Reference Manual


Other useful references:

u/Paul_Revere_Warns · 5 pointsr/Futurology

You can learn about Drexler's explanation of what Robert is basing his predictions off of in Engines of Creation, or his newer book Radical Abundance. Additionally, some way less digestible stuff can be found on Robert Freitas' website. I think this video is the only thing I've really understood when it comes to his work and findings. Ray Kurzweil is also very accessible but a lot of people are skeptical about him because of things unrelated to his rational predictions.

Here's a back-and-forth between Drexler and Richard Smalley, an accomplished chemist who criticises Drexler's vision of nanotechnology. I find it important to understand the criticism lobbied against nanotechnology, and in my opinion the criticism from Smalley is paper thin. He is constantly conceding to Drexler until he has to end his last response with some nonsense about children being afraid of what he's saying. I haven't come across a truly substantial argument against the possibility of manipulating matter at the scale Drexler describes with nanofactories and fleets of medical nanobots, but I hope whatever criticism that is helps the technology become more substantial in our lives.

u/dangersandwich · 5 pointsr/aerospace
  1. Definitely. Personal experience: I have less than a year of industry experience and was offered a position starting at $59K + full benefits + stock options in from a fairly large commercial aeronautics company in TX.

  2. Maybe not those skills specifically, but hiring managers will be very impressed (and maybe intimidated) by "nuclear operator" and military experience in general. I was friends with a nuke guy similar to you who was in my aerospace program and he's miles ahead of me in terms of opportunity.

  3. Nope, as long as you go to a top 50 (hell, even a top 100) institution you'll be fine and won't be at any sort of disadvantage. I know you're riding the GI bill and can probably go to an expensive private institution like Embry-Riddle (barf), but I urge you to instead choose a university that will make you happy as a person, located in a city that has lots of fun stuff to do.
  • NOTE: you might want to investigate whether your choice of university has a good VA program (esp. since it sounds like you were discharged for medical reasons). I was friends with a few Navy guys that developed macular degeneration from working around diesel motors on ships, and the VA office at their university sucked which kind of made everything else suck.

  1. Brush up on algebra, trigonometry, vector calculus, and classical physics, and you should be solid. I recommend purchasing this book as it covers nearly every topic taught in an undergraduate engineering program, plus you can use it to prepare for the FE exam if/when you decide to take it.

  2. The best advice I can give you is to get hands-on experience while attending school. Any respectable astronautics program will certainly have a rocketry, robotics, and/or satellite group, and I strongly encourage you to join at least one of those groups. Learn how to weld, put subsystems together, code, and most importantly learn what it actually means to work in a group of engineers under a deadline.
u/brettro · 5 pointsr/EngineeringStudents
  1. You get a felt pen and some plastic 'paper' to write on.
  2. I did not feel rushed. Plenty of time to doublecheck my work (at least on the problems I had an idea of how to solve) and finished with about 20mins left.
  3. The material goes deeper than the old paper exams but the problems remain about the same complexity. Most can be solved in 1-2 steps. For example, I had a bunch of questions on radio signal modulation. By looking at the circuit you had to determine what type of modulation was used.
  4. I felt pretty defeated leaving the exam and wouldn't have been surprised if I had failed (I passed). Remember that the electrical FE is the electrical and computer FE. There were more than a couple in depth questions that were way outside my specialization area.
  5. I studied, on average, about 5 hours per week for 8 weeks. I felt prepared going in to the exam.

    Here's a previous comment of mine that I've posted a few times for people with CBT FE questions:

    I took the Electrical/Computer FE in early Feb. I believe the key to studying for the new CBT FE is to use the FE exam specifications for your discipline as a study guide. The focus of the CBT FE is significantly different than the old paper-based FE. In the old version, the morning session was a very broad assessment of the fundamentals of engineering and the afternoon session was dedicated to your discipline. The CBT FE is tailored to your discipline, both the morning and afternoon sections, and goes deeper into your discipline topics than the previous exam. I used the FE Review Manual, which is based on the old exam, for the majority of my studying. The old exam was more breadth than depth, so that book doesn't cover everything that you may encounter. I pulled out my old textbooks to fill in any gaps. Because the CBT FE is still pretty new, I doubt there are any updated review books out there yet.

    NCEES has a series of youtube videos that describe the experience, which is very close to what I saw on exam day. Expect to leave the test feeling like you failed, it's meant to be difficult.

    The 'reusable writing pad' is a little annoying because the pen writes much thicker than a pencil. But other than that, I don't think you'll notice much difference between taking the CBT and any other paper-based exam.

    The reference material is a searchable PDF that displays on half the screen. Download the reference manual from NCEES ahead of time and get familiar with what is and isn't included.

    You'll do the first 55 questions then review and submit them. After you submit them, you won't be able to revisit them again. Then you have the option to take a 25-min lunch break before starting the next 55 questions. I ended with about 20 minutes remaining.

    My basic strategy: Easy questions first, then the ones inside my concentration area, then the ones outside. You'll usually know in the first 30 seconds or so whether you know enough to answer the question (being familiar with what's in the reference manual helps with this).

    There is an option to flag questions for review. But when you get to the end of the section it'll also tell you which questions have not been answered. So don't use it whenever you skip a question. Use it to tell yourself that you're not confident in the answer you've selected so you can return to it if you have time.

    Hope that helps.
u/codewolf · 5 pointsr/postapocalyptic

I think you may be referring to this book: The Knowledge: How to Rebuild Our World from Scratch

u/bombula · 5 pointsr/Futurology

> I don't think Drexler really gets this.

I assure you he does. Read his new book, Radical Abundance.

u/tofu_bacon · 5 pointsr/tipofmytongue

You're a saint. I spent the last hour trying all sorts of searches on Amazon.

EDIT: Thanks to Snarkfish's link, I have found the 4th edition to be the exact one I was talking about.

http://www.amazon.com/Pocket-Ref-Edition-Thomas-Glover/dp/1885071620/ref=pd_sim_b_2?ie=UTF8&refRID=1G7383GCV3SVJBDZ0E1W

u/ShanksLeftArm · 5 pointsr/Physics

For Calculus:

Calculus Early Transcendentals by James Stewart

^ Link to Amazon

Khan Academy Calculus Youtube Playlist

For Physics:

Introductory Physics by Giancoli

^ Link to Amazon

Crash Course Physics Youtube Playlist

Here are additional reading materials when you're a bit farther along:

Mathematical Methods in the Physical Sciences by Mary Boas

Modern Physics by Randy Harris

Classical Mechanics by John Taylor

Introduction to Electrodynamics by Griffiths

Introduction to Quantum Mechanics by Griffiths

Introduction to Particle Physics by Griffiths

The Feynman Lectures

With most of these you will be able to find PDFs of the book and the solutions. Otherwise if you prefer hardcopies you can get them on Amazon. I used to be adigital guy but have switched to physical copies because they are easier to reference in my opinion. Let me know if this helps and if you need more.

u/themeaningofhaste · 5 pointsr/AskAcademia

Griffiths is the go-to for advanced undergraduate level texts, so you might consider his Introduction to Quantum Mechanics and Introduction to Particle Physics. I used Townsend's A Modern Approach to Quantum Mechanics to teach myself and I thought that was a pretty good book.

I'm not sure if you mean special or general relativity. For special, /u/Ragall's suggestion of Taylor is good but is aimed an more of an intermediate undergraduate; still worth checking out I think. I've heard Taylor (different Taylor) and Wheeler's Spacetime Physics is good but I don't know much more about it. For general relativity, I think Hartle's Gravity: An Introduction to Einstein's General Relativity and Carroll's Spacetime and Geometry: An Introduction to General Relativity are what you want to look for. Hartle is slightly lower level but both are close. Carroll is probably better if you want one book and want a bit more of the math.

Online resources are improving, and you might find luck in opencourseware type websites. I'm not too knowledgeable in these, and I think books, while expensive, are a great investment if you are planning to spend a long time in the field.

One note: teaching yourself is great, but a grad program will be concerned if it doesn't show up on a transcript. This being said, the big four in US institutions are Classical Mechanics, E&M, Thermodynamics/Stat Mech, and QM. You should have all four but you can sometimes get away with three. Expectations of other courses vary by school, which is why programs don't always expect things like GR, fluid mechanics, etc.

I hope that helps!

u/EpsilonGreaterThan0 · 4 pointsr/math

If you're interested in Fourier series in general, I'd recommend a couple of different books. They all contain these results (some contain more constructive versions than others).


[Stein and Shakarchi's Fourier Analysis: An Introduction] (http://www.amazon.com/Fourier-Analysis-Introduction-Princeton-Lectures/dp/069111384X) is probably the most accessible book I can think of. It doesn't assume much analysis background, and it's a pretty easy read. It contains all the classical goodies you should see on Fourier analysis and Fourier series without having to use any measure theory. It also springboards into the 3rd volume in this series, which is on measure theory.



Sticking with the classical camp but adding in a bit of measure theory and functional analysis, there's Katznelson's An Introduction to Harmonic Analysis and the infamous Zygmund Trigonometric Series. Zygmund is an exceedingly comprehensive introduction to Fourier series at the beginning graduate level. And I do mean comprehensive. It was published in 1935, and it's a fair bet that it captured close to everything that was known about convergence results concerning Fourier series at that time.


The last way I'd go (and I wouldn't really look at it until you have some background in the above) is Javier Duoandikoetxea's Fourier Analysis. The book makes very free use of measure theory and functional analysis. It also assumes a pretty good working familiarity with the theory of distributions (which it introduces at rapid speed).

u/-Exquisite- · 4 pointsr/ChemicalEngineering

I used this book: http://www.amazon.com/Review-Manual-Preparation-Fundamentals-Engineering/dp/1591263336


I started studying 2 months before the test. I did one chapter a day which takes anywhere from 30 minutes to 2 hours depending on how well you know the material. After I finished that book I used the free 3 day trial of their chemical engineering specific book to brush up on that material.


I ended up passing and probably overstudied considering I took it one week after graduation when the material was still fresh.

u/Mindrust · 4 pointsr/Futurology

>Is such a machine possible?

Yes, it's called a molecular assembler. It's the holy grail of nanotechnology.

Eric Drexler (the guy who popularized the idea in the 80s and 90s) has a new book on this subject, titled Radical Abundance. You should check it out.

u/LocalAmazonBot · 4 pointsr/pics

Here are some links for the product in the above comment for different countries:

Link: Pocket Ref


|Country|Link|
|:-----------|:------------|
|UK|amazon.co.uk|
|Spain|amazon.es|
|France|amazon.fr|
|Germany|amazon.de|
|Japan|amazon.co.jp|
|Canada|amazon.ca|
|Italy|amazon.it|
|China|amazon.cn|




This bot is currently in testing so let me know what you think by voting (or commenting).

u/chucknappap · 4 pointsr/AskEngineers

That formula is correct.

Let me pick up my copy of Pocket Ref...

SAE J429 Grade 5 #10 bolt torqued to 4.04 ft-lbf produces a clamp force of 1,275 lbf.

u/Fragninja · 4 pointsr/EngineeringStudents

Digital Calipers are really cool to own.

There's that book POCKET REF which is interesting, it has all sorts of information in it, lots of specific reference tables and whatnot.

If he likes to make his own projects, a gift card or shopping spree on adafruit might be cool, you could help him get set up with kit for a new project that he otherwise wouldn't do.

If you're best friends, why not do something cool together? Spend a day at the museum (maybe there's an air and space one near you), go on a wilderness adventure, stuff like that. Experiences and memories often last longer than gifts.

A really nice pen or pencil perhaps - many people like Rotring I think - you can check out /r/edc for some pretty examples. The brass and titanium machined models are extremely nice looking.

There are also some very cool rubik's cube like puzzles if he's interested in mechanical things that would make good desk ornaments - like the mirror cube or the ghost cube.

I like my leatherman style PS as an everday multitool. It doesnt have a knife so I can carry it in schools, government buildings, on planes, etc. and I've found it extremely useful. It's also the first thing I grab when I take apart something I shouldn't be on my desk.

You could also get him a high-end fidget spinner. Again, /r/edc has many different nic-nacs that they like to play with.

u/wXaslat · 4 pointsr/math

Are you looking for an engineering handbook?


Pocket Ref 4th Edition https://www.amazon.com/dp/1885071620/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_tGCDDbYETA767

u/progeriababy · 4 pointsr/Skookum

There are no modern versions. There is something kind of similar though... Pocket Ref (https://www.amazon.com/Pocket-Ref-4th-Thomas-Glover/dp/1885071620)

If you're a tinkering type, this reference book is amazing. Every millwright/machinist/DIY guy I know owns a copy.

u/RedHillian · 4 pointsr/techtheatre
u/MGJon · 4 pointsr/amateurradio

> have survival manuals in electronic form.

Everyone should have a copy of Glover's Pocket Ref somewhere handy.

u/TheCaconym · 4 pointsr/collapse

In terms of general knowledge, the pocket ref is also useful.

u/phazer40 · 4 pointsr/Physics

Griffiths has a book on it

David Griffiths,
Introduction to Elementary Particles

https://www.amazon.com/Introduction-Elementary-Particles-David-Griffiths/dp/3527406018

u/duddles · 4 pointsr/audiobooks

How We Got To Now by Steven Johnson, narrated by George Newbern.

First the good news - I really enjoyed this book. It looks at six different innovations and explains how they came to be and what unintended consequences they led to. I had previously listened to 'The Innovators' but felt it got bogged down in biographical details of the inventors themselves. This book is more about the ideas behind the inventions and how they led to often unpredictable developments in society, politics, and culture.

The bad news - I can't recommend it as an audiobook due to the narration by George Newbern. I've listened to a ton of audiobooks and never had a narrator ruin one for me like this. He has no flow in his sentences and fills them with Shatneresque pauses. He doesn't seem to understand the sentences themselves and puts paused in places that make no sense. I'm baffled how he has a job as an audiobook narrator and looking at his resume seems to record a great number of books.

So my recommendation is definitely read this book, but don't listen!

u/NearABE · 3 pointsr/IsaacArthur

It is from the book "engines of creation" by Eric Drexler. Very worthwhile reading. A lot of what you read in science fiction is borrowed directly or indirectly from Drexler. Some of the ideas are older but Drexler put them together in one package.

u/amidamaru989 · 3 pointsr/ChemicalEngineering

The FE review might not be a bad place to hit everything.

Chemical Discipline-Specific Review for the FE/EIT Exam, 2nd Ed
https://www.amazon.com/dp/1591260671/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_fhOozb4CKG20Q

FE Review Manual: Rapid Preparation for the Fundamentals of Engineering Exam, 3rd Ed
https://www.amazon.com/dp/1591263336/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_GhOozbR5VP0K0

u/withfries · 3 pointsr/engineering

Wow, I'm seeing a lot of "I studied the reference manual the night before" comments. I think I may be the only one who studied for the damn thing!

I'd say go ahead and study still. You are paying $100 and will commit a day to an 8 hr test, and you do not want to go through that process more than once. I'll go ahead an assume you are civil, where pass rate is 72% overall and 68% for those that choose the other section. You don't want to be the 30% that has to take it again.

You may have heard this already, but what you'll need three things:

$76 The FE Review Manual. This is the review text nearly everyone uses to study for the test. It covers every subject, works out the problems, and has a practice exam. I'd strategize by looking through the book and working on what you feel you are weak in.

$24 NCEES FE Reference Manual or free download here. This is a the book they will provide you during the test. It has many formulas. It's important that you study with this beside you so you are familiar with the layout and organization of the book. You'll be flipping through it during that test. Now, I noticed that this book really has everything you need, and can even deduce a few things without having studied.

$14-$25 Calculator of your choice, it's restricted so here's a list . I used the Ti-36X Pro because I am more familiar with Ti's and the learning curve was better. Study with the calculator beside you and only the calculator you will take with you to the exam. How to do inverse sin? How to do matrices (oh yeah, these calculators will find determinate, solve systems, and so many other things for you, you just have to find out how).

Apart from that, find videos on youtube for topics you are having difficulty in.

There you have it, my two cents. You will hear often that it is an easy test, but I've heard that from people that have failed the test too (Yeah, trust me I question their train of thought). You are taking an admirable initiative in choosing to study for this test. Good luck and best wishes!

u/welmoe · 3 pointsr/engineering

I took and passed the FE exam this past April. Honestly the best way to prepare for the exam is to a.) be familiar with the reference handbook and b.) review most (not necessarily all) the subjects on the exam by doing practice questions from the FE Review Manual (it's the one everyone uses.)

I studied for a solid 3 weeks reading the review manual and had the reference manual by my side. It helps to know how the reference handbook is organized so that when you take the actual exam you don't have to keep flipping to the index.

Oh and get a TI36X PRO. It can solve derivatives, integrals, matrices, and a crapload of other things.

TL:DR Study the FE Review Manual by Lindeburg, know the reference handbook like the back of your hand, learn how to use your calculator.

u/monetaryelm · 3 pointsr/engineering

This is the study guide I used. It's pretty good.

One other piece of advice though, study what you know. Most of the material on the test is stuff that you should already know. Don't focus on learning new material. Your time is better spent on reviewing material that you might be rusty on to prevent mistakes on the test.

u/Liberty1100 · 3 pointsr/EngineeringStudents

Go through every chapter and the complete the problems and practice tests of this book:
FE Review Manual: Rapid Preparation for the Fundamentals of Engineering Exam, 3rd Ed

After a month of doing that, I actually finished an hour early on the first half of the exam. I miscalculated the time.

u/bigtopjuggler · 3 pointsr/books

Anyone interested in this topic might want to check out The Knowledge, by Lewis Dartnell: http://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/159420523X

u/iheartrms · 3 pointsr/preppers

This one:

Pocket Ref 4th Edition https://www.amazon.com/dp/1885071620/ref=cm_sw_r_apa_heUGxbH8056F7

I have it. I've never had to use it but I figure it is good to have around.

It is very much facts and figures in tabular form. It won't tell you about world history or how Princess Diana died etc. Very different from Wikipedia.

u/chrono13 · 3 pointsr/collapse

One book? I don't think you'll find that all in one book. Some to consider:

u/zeug666 · 3 pointsr/AskReddit

Just short of $10 - Pocket Ref

u/jeeminychristmas · 3 pointsr/entwives

if he's a reader, this is a cool, 'manly', handy book to have. My fiance specifically requested this for christmas a few years ago. it's got nearly everything in the damn thing! http://www.amazon.com/Pocket-Ref-4th-Thomas-Glover/dp/1885071620/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1321885571&sr=1-1 - it's actually pocket sized (though a little thick) and fits nicely in camp packs or work bags.

ummm...if you've got a local paintball course you could buy him a session (unless he already goes so frequently that it wouldn't really be 'special' for you to buy him one, kwim?)... orrrrr..... some new accessories related to paintballing or off-roading. that doesn't help much, i know. lol.

u/Calmiche · 3 pointsr/AskReddit

I had to scan down to see if anyone had mentioned this. Quite possibly the most comprehensive and portable reference manual on the planet!

I have 3 copies. One in my toolbox, one in my car and one in my work desk.

Here's the Amazon link. Or, pick one up at Home Depot or Lowe's.

It contains, just as examples, astronomy, chemistry, carpentry, physics, mathematical formulas, maps, conversion tables, electronics, first aid, how to make glues, solvents stains and finishes. It has info about mining, mills, knot tying and how to's on surveying and plumbing. (That's about 40 pages of this 800+ page book.)

u/SgtPepper1313 · 3 pointsr/prepping

I find this book to be very useful. It isn't all knowing but it has a lot of information on everything.

u/advicevice · 3 pointsr/guns

Amazon

Definitely worth the weight. It's rather small anyways. Jam packed with all sorts of information.

u/PotatoSalad · 3 pointsr/electronics
u/Cypher_Aod · 3 pointsr/AdviceAnimals

Buy a copy of Pocket Ref

u/nicksauce · 3 pointsr/ParticlePhysics

Griffiths' particle physics book is a great intro imo and one of the few (possibly the only one?) that approaches the subject without requiring qft as a prerequisite.

u/Kevin_Raven · 3 pointsr/science

My number 1 recommended reading is Griffith's introduction to particle physics. If you have done undergraduate level physics, you'll be familiar with his E&M and quantum mechanics textbooks, which are well known for being relatively painless introductions to these two subjects. The book is written at such a level so that you could start understanding particle physics with only basic physics knowledge (although knowing some qualitative facts about quantum mechanics may help).

u/conquerer7 · 3 pointsr/Physics

Try learning calculus-based intro physics here. If you're feeling ambitious you probably can jump into the relativity course there, which will have a few things related to particle physics. To keep yourself motivated you might want to read the first three chapters of Griffiths particle physics.

u/diazona · 3 pointsr/AskScienceDiscussion

Hm... I would have to say Griffiths' particle physics book and Halzen and Martin begin to cover the transition between undergrad-level knowledge and the general area I work in. Although for what I actually work on, I don't know if there are any textbooks. It's a pretty niche field.

u/k-selectride · 3 pointsr/Physics

I don't know of any decent online particle physics resources. But there are two good books at the undergraduate level I can think of Griffiths and Halzen and Martin

For superconductivity you want to learn many body quantum mechanics, ie non-relativistic quantum field theory. The most common recommendation is Fetter and Walecka, but I might consider Thouless to be superior on account of it being 1/3rd the length and probably only covers core topics. If you feel like dropping a lot of money, Mahan is very good, but also somewhat exhaustive. Might be worth having as a reference depending on how serious you get. I would get F&W and Thouless simply on account of how cheap they are.

u/kpeteymomo · 3 pointsr/InteriorDesign

I really like the books Color, Space, and Style and Materials, Structures, and Standards. They're full of fantastic information, and are really easy to use. I would probably start with the first book, as the second one dives into structure a bit more.

I'm pretty sure both books are currently out of print, but I know people have found them for decent prices when they've searched around a bit more.

u/third-eye · 2 pointsr/pics
u/DanNeverDie · 2 pointsr/CFB

Rent this book. Then try to do every problem in it. After your soul is crushed by how difficult the problems are and you've given up hope, take the test. You should pass it no problem. Also buy this handbook as it is the only reference material you will be allowed to have for the actual test.

u/TribeCalledMess · 2 pointsr/ChemicalEngineering

I highly recommend this book for prep. I took the FE in October using this as a review and passed, after being out of school a couple of years. This book just covers the morning session. For the afternoon session I would just review your thermo, heat & mass, and design class notes. Also, thinking about buying the equation manual. It was super helpful knowing exactly where equations were while taking that test. They also have topic outlines for the exam on the NCEES webpage. I would also get the practice exam NCEES sells, that was really the only prep I did for the afternoon session. Keep in mind that the test is electronic now, not written, so review materials might vary.

Good luck! I'm sure you'll do great if you are just finishing school, because everything will still be fresh.

u/McMe · 2 pointsr/ECE

I forget the name of the book, but it's yellow. They have a great big one for the general part of the FE and they make smaller ones for the individual tests. I thought those were great study guides. Also, my university had a class to review the major subjects of the FE.

EDIT: General FE [book] (http://www.amazon.com/Review-Manual-Preparation-Fundamentals-Engineering/dp/1591263336/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1323889740&sr=8-1)

Electrical Engineering book

u/RoundestBrownAround · 2 pointsr/ChemicalEngineering

This one was for the general stuff (but it still had fluids, heat transfer, econ, and some general thermo) and this one for the chemE. The chemE one I studied might have been an older version though. Both were filled with hard and useful practice problems.

u/Snorey · 2 pointsr/LawSchool

As long as you don't let patent bar and FE prep get in the way of other important things, I don't suppose there's any reason not to do this. Everybody needs a hobby. But you should be aware that the odds of it leading to an actual job as a patent agent are very small.

  1. Probably "Other Disciplines" (formerly known as "General"). But hard to say for sure.

  2. Lindeburg's guide was fantastic, absolutely head and shoulders above everything else -- for the pre-2014 paper-based exam. However, it's probably not very useful any more. I'm not in a position to say what's good, but Lindeburg does have post-2014 subject-specific guides.

  3. Not without something else, e.g. exceptional networking ability or an existing connection. If you look at patent job boards, you'll see that the entry-level jobs you might occasionally see are exclusively for someone with a specific technical background. Even people who have technical backgrounds outside EE often have a very hard time finding patent work.

  4. I don't think so. (But if you were, hypothetically, to take the Mechanical Engineering FE and then try to hold yourself out as having a "mechanical engineering background" or some such, obviously that would not end well.)
u/jojoyohan · 2 pointsr/engineering

The FE changed about a year ago to be a computer based test. It is only 6 hours long and there is no longer a general portion and discipline specific portion. The questions are entirely based on the discipline you select. I've been using the FERM to study and it seems ok. The author has been putting out disciple specific books just for the new test as he gets around to them. I'd suggest you spend the $160 to get the one for the test you are going to take. They do include chapters on things that the general book does not cover.

I'd also suggest not signing up for the test until you are about a month out from wanting to take it. People seem to reschedule their tests and as long as your schedule is a bit flexible, you can sign up relatively close to the test.

u/khartster · 2 pointsr/ECE

I had purchased this book to brush up on the general stuff since EE/CompE wasn't as versed in the general mechanics stuff. I liked it and passed. The Computer stuff seemed trivial in 2011.
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/1591263336/ref=oh_aui_search_detailpage?ie=UTF8&psc=1

I can see if I still have it but I remember selling a bunch of stuff to half priced books a few years ago.

edit: Found it!
Seems like most of it is pseudo code and excel manipulation.
Part of it may just be picking up a language and sitting down and getting comfortable with it. I know from my friends who ended up not specializing in CompE they hated programming because they took fortran or something ancient so C/C++ is a little friendlier since it can be read more easily.

edit 2: I bought this book for $48 back in 2011 why is it worth $200 today?

u/PracticalMail · 2 pointsr/FE_Exam

here it is, highly recommend

u/TonyStarchimedes · 2 pointsr/AskEngineers

I used a prep book from Amazon and instead of the 90 day study schedule I think I crammed it into just under 30. I did the general test for both parts, though I went through and looked at the questions in the second half and the material I knew/didn't know was about the same for general and mechanical.

I had to take it in school before graduating, and I passed, but haven't really needed it now that I'm working. Good thing for the resume though as some places look for it.

u/e175956 · 2 pointsr/AskEngineers

This Book covers the general section and also on the NCEES website they sell usually sell a small (25 sample questions I think) book for the individual afternoon sections if you were also curious on that.

If you can do the lindberg book you will ace the test. The questions tend to be at least the level of the FE, sometimes a lot more involved.

u/ChEJobSearch · 2 pointsr/ChemicalEngineering

So that means you passed the FE. Do you mind if i ask you some questions? if u dont mind XD

  1. did you take the ChE FE exam?

  2. how did you study for it?

  3. tips when it comes to actually taking it? everyone said to abuse CTRL + F. but i was very annoyed when i took the test because on my exam, ctrl F did not function the same way it normally does, like say on a website, or on microsoft word, or on a online PDF file. it literally brings up alot of stuff at once and i cant scroll through the word search so i was barely able to use the ctrl f function....

    I took the exam in around middle of 2017. i am a 2016 graduate. I struggled HARD on the exam even though i studied this book https://www.amazon.com/Review-Manual-Preparation-Fundamentals-Engineering/dp/1591263336 or should i study the CHE specific one ? (never saw inside the book before. not sure if it will be good or not for what i need)

    that book was seriously easy. so I thought I was really prepped. turns out i wasnt. I also screwed up in a way because i studied heavily on reactor design. turns out, its not even ON the dam test.... (idk why i thought it was... even though i looked at the topic sheet. i think i confused kinetics with reactor design)

    i also kinda blanked out on some simple fundamental ChE questions, such as calculating heat duty on ... something... and a mass balance that required use of steam table.

    so after that, i lost all confidence in what i learned during school.....
u/Whatitsjk1 · 2 pointsr/ChemicalEngineering

>practice practice practice. Take those practice exams.

where are these practice exams? i only know of 1 (and the free one someone gave me where they already paid the $50 from when they took it) all the others just make claims that its "FE exam material"


>hardest part was the general section for me, ChemE part was long but quite a bit easier.

yeah the material i am using is the https://www.amazon.com/Review-Manual-Preparation-Fundamentals-Engineering/dp/1591263336 the subjects in it, at the very least, FELT like my uni courses. this practice exam i am taking is NOTHING like it. once i look at the solution, it is really easily solved, except, the equation they used isnt even in the FE reference manual, nor ones i even recall back in school. an example is the definition of work in terms of pressure and volume. i forgot the exact question of that form so i had to look it up.... except... they conveniently left that one out. (the w = ∫pdv one)

>don't over think it, lots of people are in the same situation (and still pass)

yeah i hear online that the cutoff to pass is somewhere in the 60% range. of course,there is no proof of this as the committee doesnt share it. but i mean, its a $200+ test.... i cant really see myself going to take it while my confidence level is so low after this practice exam....)

u/aka00devon · 2 pointsr/AskEngineers

If you're still in school, I would look at their library for review manuals first. I was able to find this: Lindeburg's Review Manual. In my opinion, this manual more than prepared me for the test because it is actually a lot harder than the FE.

Get the official practice test from NCEES and the official equation book. Use your FE calculator and the equation book every time you study.

It took me about 1 week to successfully study for the ChE version, and I thought it was rather easy. It helped that I was still a senior and taking a statics class, though. Don't stress. If you come from a good program (I'm from Pitt), you'll already have 80% of the knowledge somewhere in your brain.

u/ShesPinkyImTheBrain · 2 pointsr/AskEngineers

I bought this book and did all of the practice problems. You get a pdf manual to use during the test. You can download it from the NCEES website. It’s searchable and definitely helps to practice using it. I took mine in 2015 for civil so there may have been some changes since then. The university I went to offered review sessions that were open to non students. They weren’t free but were cheaper than most other options, maybe there’s a school near you that may offer them. Good luck.

u/ryan2332 · 2 pointsr/EngineeringStudents

I took the FE Electrical and Computer exam on Sat, Feb 27 and just found out today that I passed so I might be able to help you with studying for it

I started studying around the beginning of February.

  1. Like marvellousmedicine said, you most definitely want to look at the reference book they supply you. You will have it on the test and it's good to know where everything is in it. The reference manual is almost 300 pages long so it's good to know which keywords to type to get to the section you want to be in. The test is computer based now so the screen will be split between the reference manual and the actual test. (you can ctrl+f the book)
  2. I went through Lindeburg's FE Review Manual and the Other Disciplines Review Manual. My roommate rented the first book and it was a lot cheaper a month ago. My school's library had the Other Disciplines Review book that I could check out (for free). So your school might even have the first one as well. The reason I looked at the Other Disciplines Review book was because it had some other electrical sections that the first didn't have. There are also a lot of sample questions in the Lindeburg books. I would go through the sections and try to do the sample questions only using the FE Reference Manual as that will all you get to use on the test. The Lindeburg books are outdated. They were made before they changed the format in 2014 but the content and questions are still good.

    In the back of the FE Reference Manual they have all the topics that will be covered by the test as well as how many questions for each topic. The questions are terribly difficult and I didn't think they were trying to trip you up. I am more interested in power so the computer, communications, signals topics gave me the most trouble. If you have any more questions feel free to ask me.

    edit: here's what on the Electrical Exam and the Other Disciplines book is not worth whatever price is listed below. The electrical sections I looked at spanned maybe 30-40 pages. I would only look at it if you can get it from the library.
u/TOLstryk · 2 pointsr/EngineeringStudents

Download the NCEES Reference Manual from their website.

Buy the FE Review Manual

They also have a discipline specific review manual for chemical.

u/DontBeSuchAnAnnHog · 2 pointsr/EngineeringStudents

FE Review Manual
http://www.amazon.com/Review-Manual-Preparation-Fundamentals-Engineering/dp/1591263336/ref=sr_ob_4?ie=UTF8&qid=1368737700&sr=8-4

I used this book extensively to prepare for the exam. I think I did about 4 full practice exams before I did the actual test. I ended up passing the first time I took it. I highly recommend this book because it also is an excellent reference for all things engineering later on in your life.

u/Vilault · 2 pointsr/civilengineering

Yeah, I perfectly understand. Know that as harsh as it may seem though, there's always others in your same boat. Another thing to note: the questions in those practice books tend to be more difficult than those you would find on the exam, so getting used to those practice exam questions will make things during the actual exam seem a bit easier. I used the Michael R. Lindeburg one used and it ended up working out well. Again, don't be so hard on yourself because it's not an easy task but put in the time and you'll get by without a problem this time around.

We believe in you!

u/artelope · 2 pointsr/IAmA

It'd be really meta if it was the other author AMA guy's book. :P

http://www.amazon.com/The-Knowledge-Rebuild-World-Scratch/dp/159420523X

u/eleitl · 2 pointsr/collapse

There's http://www.amazon.com/The-Knowledge-Rebuild-World-Scratch/dp/159420523X/ which is probably not going to do a lot of good if you don't already know or have done most of this.

u/MachinatioVitae · 2 pointsr/PostCollapse

I haven't read it, but you might want to check out "The Knowledge".

u/M0b1us0ne · 2 pointsr/prepping

Maybe not exactly this, but the "Pocket Ref"

u/satcomwilcox · 2 pointsr/preppers

While not what you specifically asked for, in the same vein I would suggest keeping a copy of both the Pocket Reference and the Handymain In-your-pocket good books to have on hand for lots of different situations.

u/AeroWrench · 2 pointsr/bikewrench

I keep a pocket ref and an aviation mechanic's handbook in my toolbox at all times. I even have 2 of each because I used to carry them with the ton of tools I kept in my old car when I would do side jobs at other airports.

u/knuckle-sandwich · 2 pointsr/Random_Acts_Of_Amazon

I'm a sap for personalized gifts.

What about a nice, high quality monogrammed passport holder or wallet?

Also, I just ordered this handy book for some men in my life. I figure it's a good stocking stuffer and I sense they'll use it quite frequently!


Most of my Christmas List WL is for other people...the makeup and foot spa are for me though :)

Good luck!

u/acw10695 · 2 pointsr/millwrights

The Pocket Ref

Pocket Ref 4th Edition https://www.amazon.com/dp/1885071620/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_vVwTBbBJ7HNPV

The Machinery's Handbook

Machinery's Handbook, 29th https://www.amazon.com/dp/083112900X/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_sWwTBb3FHSVVZ

These two books will get you through about anything you run into.

u/1corvidae1 · 2 pointsr/Construction

Is this the one you are talking about?
http://www.amazon.com/Pocket-Ref-Edition-Thomas-Glover/dp/1885071620

or are there one specific to construction?

u/TroyDowling · 2 pointsr/EngineeringStudents

I'm an EE, but I use this book any time I don't have access to the Internet. Bought it as a joke (Mythbusters used to talk about it all the time), but ended up loving it!

http://www.amazon.ca/Pocket-Reference-Edition-Thomas-Glover/dp/1885071620

u/FortunateHominid · 2 pointsr/preppers

Pocket Ref

Edit: Link

u/vvelox · 2 pointsr/EDC

The Pocket Ref covers basically a little bit of everything. I find a reason to use it at least once a week.

u/adaranyx · 2 pointsr/Random_Acts_Of_Amazon

Recipient A:


u/BillDaCatt · 2 pointsr/metalworking

Here is my go to book for optimal tap and die drill sizes as well as a whole host of other technical information, formulas, and conversion tables.

Pocket Ref

Here is the Desk Ref version with larger pages.

Desk Ref

u/Zediac · 2 pointsr/AskMen

Reference?

National Electric Code

Haynes manuals for various vehicles

Pocket Ref(erence Guide)

Various video game guide books

u/creepingdeathv2 · 2 pointsr/AskScienceDiscussion

In my opinion the best way to learn and understand the chaos of sub-atomic particle and their place is to start with the trying to understand the standard model. It is the model in which everything is supposed to fit. It's the big picture.

If you have time to spare, consider watching these video lectures

http://www.cosmolearning.com/courses/particle-physics-the-standard-model-416/video-lectures/

Or pick up this book meant for people not well versed in math http://www.amazon.com/The-Theory-Almost-Everything-Standard/dp/0452287863

Or if you're a masochist and feel you're upto the task of really understand this stuff take a look at http://www.amazon.com/Introduction-Elementary-Particles-David-Griffiths/dp/3527406018/ref=pd_sim_b_1

That book tries to see the physics beyond the standard model, marching towards and inching closer towards the ultimate goal of physics.

u/MahatmaGandalf · 2 pointsr/AskPhysics

You sound like a great audience for the series I recommend to everyone in your position: Lenny Susskind's Theoretical Minimum. He's got free lectures and accompanying books which are designed with the sole purpose of getting you from zero to sixty as fast as possible. I'm sure others will have valuable suggestions, but that's mine.

The series is designed for people who took some math classes in college, and maybe an intro physics class, but never had the chance to go further. However, it does assume that you are comfortable with calculus, and more doesn't hurt. What's your math background like?

As to the LHC and other bleeding-edge physics: unfortunately, this stuff takes a lot of investment to really get at, if you want to be at the level where you can do the actual derivations—well beyond where an undergrad quantum course would land you. If you're okay with a more heuristic picture, you could read popular-science books on particle physics and combine that with a more quantitative experience from other sources.

But if you are thinking of doing this over a very long period of time, I would suggest that you could pretty easily attain an advanced-undergraduate understanding of particle physics through self-study—enough to do some calculations, though the actual how and why may not be apparent. If you're willing to put in a little cash and more than a little time for this project, here's what I suggest:

  • Pick up a book on introductory physics (with calculus). It doesn't really matter which. Make sure you're good with the basic concepts—force, momentum, energy, work, etc.

  • Learn special relativity. It does not take too long, and is not math-intensive, but it can be very confusing. There are lots of ways to do it—lots of online sources too. My favorite book for introductory SR is this one.

  • Use a book or online resources to become familiar with the basics (just the basics) of differential equations and linear algebra. It sounds more scary than it is.

  • Get a copy of Griffiths' books on quantum mechanics and particle physics. These are undergrad-level textbooks, but pretty accessible! Read the quantum book first—and do at least a few exercises—and then you should be able to get a whole lot out of reading the particle physics book.

    Note that this is sort of the fastest way to get into particle physics. If you want to take this route, you should still be prepared to spread it out over a couple years—and it will leave a whole smattering of gaps in your knowledge. But hey, if you enjoy it, you could legitimately come to understand a lot about the universe through self-study!
u/charlysotelo · 2 pointsr/Physics

I'm no physicist. My degree is in computer science, but I'm in a somewhat similar boat. I read all these pop-science books that got me pumped (same ones you've read), so I decided to actually dive into the math.

​

Luckily I already had training in electromagnetics and calculus, differential equations, and linear algebra so I was not going in totally blind, though tbh i had forgotten most of it by the time I had this itch.

​

I've been at it for about a year now and I'm still nowhere close to where I want to be, but I'll share the books I've read and recommend them:

  • First and foremost, read Feynman's Lectures on Physics and do not skip a lecture. You can find them free on the link there, but they also sell the 3 volumes on amazon. I love annotating so I got myself physical copies. These are the most comprehensible lectures on anything I've ever read. Feynman does an excellent job on teaching you pretty much all of physics + math (especially electromagnetics) up until basics of Quantum Mechanics and some Quantum Field Theory assuming little mathematics background.
  • Feyman lectures on Quantum Electrodynamics (The first Quantum Field Theory). This is pop-sciency and not math heavy at all, but it provides a good intuition in preparation for the bullet points below
  • You're going to need Calculus. So if you're not familiar comfortable with integral concepts like integration by parts, Quantum Mechanics will be very difficult.
  • I watched MIT's opencourseware online lectures on Quantum Mechanics and I did all the assignments. This gave me what I believe is a solid mathematical understanding on Quantum Mechanics
  • I'm currently reading and performing exercises from this Introduction to Classical Field Theory. . This is just Lagrangian Field Theory, which is the classical analog of QFT. I'm doing this in preparation for the next bullet-point:
  • Quantum Field Theory in a Nutshell. Very math heavy - but thats what we're after isnt it? I havent started on this yet since it relies on the previous PDF, but it was recommended in Feynmans QED book.
  • I've had training on Linear Algebra during my CS education. You're going to need it as well. I recommend watching this linear algebra playlist by 3Blue1Brown. It's almost substitute for the rigorous math. My life would've been a lot easier if that playlist existed before i took my linear algebra course, which was taught through this book.
  • Linear Algebra Part 2 - Tensor analysis! You need this for General Relativity. This is the pdf im currently reading and doing all the exercises. This pdf is preparing me for...
  • Gravity. This 1000+ page behemoth comes highly recommended by pretty much all physicist I talk to and I can't wait for it.
  • Concurrently I'm also reading this book which introduces you to the Standard Model.

    ​

    I'm available if you want to PM me directly. I love talking to others about this stuff.
u/NotFreeAdvice · 1 pointr/atheism

I am not totally sure what you are asking for actually exists in book form...which is odd, now that I think about it.

If it were me, I would think about magazines instead. And if you really want to push him, think about the following options:

  1. Science News, which is very similar to the front-matter of the leading scientific journal Science. This includes news from the past month, and some in-depth articles. It is much better written -- and written at a much higher level -- than Scientific American or Discover. For a very intelligent (and science-interested) high school student, this should pose little difficulty.
  2. The actual journal Science. This is weekly, which is nice. In addition to the news sections, this also includes editorials and actual science papers. While many of the actual papers will be beyond your son, he can still see what passes for presentation of data in the sciences, and that is cool.
  3. The actual journal Nature. This is also weekly, and is the british version of the journal Science. In my opinion, the news section is better written than Science, which is important as this is where your kid's reading will be mostly done. IN addition, Nature always has sections on careers and education, so that your son will be exposed to the more human elements of science. Finally, the end of nature always has a 1-page sci-fi story, and that is fun as well.
  4. If you must, you could try Scientific American or Discover, but if you really want to give your kid a cool gift, that is a challenge, go for one of the top three here. I would highly recommend Nature.

    If you insist on books...

    I see you already mentioned A Brief History of the Universe, which is an excellent book. However, I am not sure if you are going to get something that is more "in depth." Much of the "in depth" stuff is going to be pretty pop, without the rigorous foundation that are usually found in textbooks.

    If I had to recommend some books, here is what I would say:

  5. The selfish gene is one of the best "rigorous" pop-science books out there. Dawkins doesn't really go into the math, but other than that he doesn't shy away from the implications of the work.
  6. Darwin's Dangerous Idea by Dennett is a great book. While not strictly science, per se, it does outline good philosophical foundations for evolution. It is a dense read, but good.
  7. On the more mathematical side, you might try Godel, Escher, Bach, which is a book that explores the ramifications of recrusiveness and is an excellent (if dense) read.
  8. You could also consider books on the history of science -- which elucidate the importance of politics and people in the sciences. I would recommend any of the following: The Double Helix, A man on the moon, The making of the atomic bomb, Prometheans in the lab, The alchemy of air, or A most damnable invention. There are many others, but these came to mind first.

    Hope that helps! OH AND GO WITH THE SUBSCRIPTION TO NATURE

    edit: added the linksssss
u/Kancho_Ninja · 1 pointr/AskReddit

Some of us read for funsies Engines of Creation: The Coming Era of Nanotechnology, but then again, in 1986, I didn't have an xbox and the internet. All I had was imagination and snow both ways uphill.

u/aim2free · 1 pointr/technology

Was it some of my words you didn't understand or was it the composition of these words?

I can make a few clarifications, the nano assembler is a machine that can compose new matter atom by atom. The research started in the late 80-ies originally after ideas from Richard Feynman. One can say that the field was initiated by Eric Drexler's book Engines of Creation (you get a copy of that book if you become a senior member of Foresight Institute )

The field has recently taken some great steps forward by Gorman 2008, earlier essential steps forward was e.g. Gerd Binnig and Heinrich Rohrer's scanneling tunelling microscope which they invented 1981 (Nobel prize 1986).

Some words about future economical crises and grey goo can be read about on this page from CRN (Center for Responsible Nanotechnology). At this place is also an easy to read summary of the potentials and risks.

If you haven't seen it before I really recommend watching this short movie "Productive Nanosystems" which was made 2004, sponsored by Mark Simms and Nanorex. The video has later been improved somewhat.

We are not at all working with nano technology, we will only be the glue between enabling technologies and end consumers. Our goal is that all this technology will be easily accessible for everyone, everyone should be able to be an inventor, creating personal super products.

u/hex · 1 pointr/architecture

Synchronicity's a funny thing. Minutes ago I was reading The City Shaped: Urban Patterns and Meanings Through History and saw a blueprint image of the Eiffel Tower in it. Then I loaded Reddit and pow, here they all are at once. How cool.

Anyway, The City Shaped is a fantastic book and I can recommend it to any /r/architecture reader.

u/BallsJunior · 1 pointr/learnmath

To piggy back off of danielsmw's answer...

> Fourier analysis is used in pretty much every single branch of physics ever, seriously.

I would phrase this as, "partial differential equations (PDE) are used in pretty much every single branch of physics," and Fourier analysis helps solve and analyze PDEs. For instance, it explains how the heat equation works by damping higher frequencies more quickly than the lower frequencies in the temperature profile. In fact Fourier invented his techniques for exactly this reason. It also explains the uncertainty principle in quantum mechanics. I would say that the subject is most developed in this area (but maybe that's because I know most about this area). Any basic PDE book will describe how to use Fourier analysis to solve linear constant coefficient problems on the real line or an interval. In fact many calculus textbooks have a chapter on this topic. Or you could Google "fourier analysis PDE". An undergraduate level PDE course may use Strauss' textbook whereas for an introductory graduate course I used Folland's book which covers Sobolev spaces.

If you wanted to study Fourier analysis without applying it to PDEs, I would suggest Stein and Shakarchi or Grafakos' two volume set. Stein's book is approachable, though you may want to read his real analysis text simultaneously. The second book is more heavy-duty. Stein shows a lot of the connections to complex analysis, i.e. the Paley-Wiener theorems.

A field not covered by danielsmw is that of electrical engineering/signal processing. Whereas in PDEs we're attempting to solve an equation using Fourier analysis, here the focus is on modifying a signal. Think about the equalizer on a stereo. How does your computer take the stream of numbers representing the sound and remove or dampen high frequencies? Digital signal processing tells us how to decompose the sound using Fourier analysis, modify the frequencies and re-synthesize the result. These techniques can be applied to images or, with a change of perspective, can be used in data analysis. We're on a computer so we want to do things quickly which leads to the Fast Fourier Transform. You can understand this topic without knowing any calculus/analysis but simply through linear algebra. You can find an approachable treatment in Strang's textbook.

If you know some abstract algebra, topology and analysis, you can study Pontryagin duality as danielsmw notes. Sometimes this field is called abstract harmonic analysis, where the word abstract means we're no longer discussing the real line or an interval but any locally compact abelian group. An introductory reference here would be Katznelson. If you drop the word abelian, this leads to representation theory. To understand this, you really need to learn your abstract/linear algebra.

Random links which may spark your interest:

u/CompoundClover · 1 pointr/funny

I KNEW I recognized that picture. Bought this a year ago. It's a decent coffee table book for the price. A lot of cool pictures like this one.

u/TheDharmaDude · 1 pointr/FE_Exam

It is three items

FE Review Manual: Rapid Preparation for the Fundamentals of Engineering Exam, 3rd Ed https://www.amazon.com/dp/1591263336/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_hwvwDbHC762S7

Industrial Discipline-Specific Review for the FE/EIT Exam, 2nd Ed https://www.amazon.com/dp/159126068X/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_LwvwDbC81ZMYC

FE Industrial and Systems Practice Exam https://www.amazon.com/dp/1932613846/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_5wvwDbYTTK6W5

u/DrBridge · 1 pointr/engineering

This may not be a perfect suggestion, but have you considered study materials for the field-specific FE test?

This study guide exists, and the testing company NCEES offers a PDF of the official reference guide (mostly equations, very surface level) for free here.

I don't know whether these would cover everything to the level of detail you want. However, they might be a good way to identify things you're rusty on so you can go back to your textbooks/class notes for more detail.

u/digitalosiris · 1 pointr/AskEngineers

The EIT/FE is not a hard test. But, it is a test of fundamentals, most of which you haven't used / forgotten in the past eight years. As I tell my students: take the test before you graduate, because your brain is like a sieve, and once you stop doing homework, that knowledge slowly seeps out.

As you're coming to it several years out my advice is to start by buying yourself one of those EIT prep books and working problems. The Lindeburg book seems popular. Figure out what you know and what you've forgotten.

Then check your local colleges that have CE programs to see if they offer FE prep courses. Ours does, it's run by Chi Epsilon (the CE honor society), starts about 8 weeks before the test and they get professors to come in on the weekends to review. Ours charges a very nominal fee (like $10 per session) and student feedback is quite positive. So if you have a CE program near, contact the department office and see if they have something similar.

Buy the FE reference manual that NCEES sells. As others have said, the bulk of the material you need to know will be in there. Know where things are found ahead of time.

Figure out which afternoon test you're taking -- CE or Other disciplines (formerly called general). As you're 8 years out, CE is probably the answer for you.

The real key is to know that you're not going to know everything and the test ultimately is designed to test how well you take tests. Know what you know very well, re-learn the familiar stuff so you are passable, and don't spend a whole lot of time on stuff you've completely forgotten or hated. Make sure you know your math, physics and statics and you're on your way.

u/ytl · 1 pointr/Random_Acts_Of_Amazon

Girlsplaywow is a jerk - I say that yet I don't mean it at all. Anyone who gifts to this level can in no way be a jerk. Not to mention all the other nice stuff you mentioned.

I am torn between linking work or play. One of life's ultimate dilemmas. So with that in mind if I am fortunate enough to win this, Girlsplaywow you get to decide as you are the contest holder. Work or play

u/theriversflows · 1 pointr/ChemicalEngineering

>Contains information for the morning/afternoon session

morning session means the general one and afternoon means specific one right? so if i get the one you are recommending, would i have any need for this??

http://www.amazon.com/Review-Manual-Preparation-Fundamentals-Engineering/dp/1591263336#reader_1591263336

also that book is expensive........

would just using my school textbooks be good enough?

u/liesbyomission · 1 pointr/TwoXChromosomes

I highly recommend this book for preparing for the FE. I only started studying about 3 weeks prior to the exam and this book is probably the reason I passed.

u/gandalfv31415 · 1 pointr/engineering

Fresh graduate, I have a job and am looking for an apartment but something else that's been on my mind is the FE exam.

What's the best way to prepare for it assuming I get this textbook/manual

u/yawninglemur · 1 pointr/engineering

FE Review Manual: Rapid Preparation for the Fundamentals of Engineering Exam

It's by the same author that someone recommended to get for the pe exam ( Michael lindburg or something, sorry on my phone), that guy must know his stuff

https://www.amazon.com/dp/1591263336/ref=cm_sw_r_awd_YmEHub11SE3JX

u/Kgonz · 1 pointr/EngineeringStudents

The Yellow Book

Also, second to Mountebank. From what I've heard it helps a ton to be familiar with the reference book and to be familiar with whatever calculator you plan to use. It will save you a buttload of time knowing where to find what you're looking for as opposed to flipping through a million pages trying to find a single equation.

u/eternalphoenix64 · 1 pointr/FE_Exam

I can't answer everything, but I'm a student in WA and my nearest test center is in OR. I registered for the WA board, and it was no problem to schedule in OR.

For review books, I got this guy: http://www.amazon.com/Review-Manual-Preparation-Fundamentals-Engineering/dp/1591263336
A quick flip through makes it seem like it will be well worth my while.

u/cheme2016 · 1 pointr/ChemicalEngineering

The thing is since the FE covers general topics as well (calculus, physics, statics, ethics, etc), the PE book won't cover any of it.

I recommending getting this book.

http://www.amazon.com/Review-Manual-Preparation-Fundamentals-Engineering/dp/1591263336

I did practice problems with that and read the chapters and I felt the test was super easy.

u/soggy_pants · 1 pointr/EngineeringStudents

The FE is actually pretty easy with like a 75% pass rate. I took the test two years after graduation with about two weeks of studying and passed (mechanical engineer with a strong gpa).

You HAVE to get the official reference manual. You get this in the actual test and the more you are familiar with it the easier it is to find the relevant equations. That's like half the test--plugging numbers into the relevant equation. I used this review book and felt it did a good job.

Good luck and don't sweat it. Study through the main sections and make sure you understand basic math and physics.

u/BrujahRage · 1 pointr/AskEngineers

This is what I used when I took the exam last year. I loaned that same book to a couple of friends who took the exam this year, and they both passed. To be honest, it's overkill, as not everything in there will be on the current exams, but that coupled with the books available from NCEES will let you pick and choose the sections you need to study.

u/motank · 1 pointr/EngineeringStudents

I used Lindeburg's book.

In retrospect, it wasn't terribly useful except for an ego boost in some topics and really identifying what I was weak in. That being said, if you're doing reasonably well in school you should be fine for the FE. What I would do is review for your discipline specific exam. I didn't cover much for mine in school (Mechanical; didn't learn much, if any, HVAC stuff at school).

u/BalonyAndKetchup · 1 pointr/ElectricalEngineering

The only resource I used at the time I took it was the ''FE Review Manual: Rapid Preparation for the Fundamentals of Engineering Exam'' - however, I also went through my school notes on the relevant subjects and did a ton of practice problems. Disclaimer, I took this thing back in 2013.

u/hello49 · 1 pointr/EngineeringStudents

FE Review Manual: Rapid Preparation for the Fundamentals of Engineering Exam is what you'll want. It's pretty extensive and should allow anyone to pass.

Being out of school for three years means you should definitely give it a thorough read. For someone fresh out of school, it's not necessary. You'll pick it back up quick for sure though.

u/c_oliver · 1 pointr/FE_Exam

I "used" the FE Other Disciplines Review by Lindeburg

I say "used" because I probably went over 7 out of the 60 something sections in the book.

Major is Petroleum engineering, and I graduate in December.

For me there was a ton of structural stuff. Finding how much load something has. I had zero idea how to do those. Also a lot of problems could be passed with just F=ma. Quite a few electricity problems too. Parallel series especially.

Finding equations with the book is pretty easy if you know who to use the find function.

u/sandwiching_hour · 1 pointr/FE_Exam

Link to amazon listing

I'm looking at the used versions.

As well, is the FERM a good idea as well? By that I meant the overall FE manual without disciplines. I think that's what it is anyhow

u/biggreenfan · 1 pointr/Futurology

Knowledge is preserved--population is not. It would take some time, and if we were smart about it, population would be capped somehow. IDK how.

As for rebuilding, this book might be useful to own. I plan to buy my copy soon. As a teacher at the end of the summer/beginning of the school year, I'm not quite broke, but close. Two weeks to payday 1 of the new school year. Yeehaw!

u/fluffy_warthog10 · 1 pointr/asoiaf

"The Knowledge: How to Rebuild our World From Scratch."

http://www.amazon.com/The-Knowledge-Rebuild-World-Scratch/dp/159420523X/?tag=io9amzn-20&ascsubtag=[referrer|www.google.com[type|link[postId|1566170266[asin|159420523X[authorId|5717795175536518860

Excepting that, an SAS/Army Ranger guide or a college chemistry textbook.

Knowledge is power. If you know how the basic ingredients and building blocks of our modern world work, you can apply that knowledge to your world and improve on it.

Sure, they may call you crazy for collecting massive amounts of bat guano out of caves and mixing it with charcoal, but once you prove what your 'insane' magic can do, you'll be in a position of power, and able to keep on advancing your science. Whether you can, is entirely up to you. Valar morghulis.

u/SelfReferenceParadox · 1 pointr/worldbuilding

If you're into this kind of thought experiment, I would strongly recommend The Knowledge. The premise is almost exactly what you are describing.

u/thesmokingpants · 1 pointr/Anarcho_Capitalism

I'm reading Drexler's book on radical abundance. He is the guy who came up "nanotechnology" or more precisely APM - atomically precise manufacturing. His claim is the revolution that is coming for physical production is akin to the digital information revolution. I'd give it a read so far it is fascinating.

http://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/1610391136

u/Yurei2 · 1 pointr/Pathfinder_RPG

It's litteraly titled the "Pocket Ref". Le Amazon.

u/johntclark44 · 1 pointr/EDC

I would get a book like this: Pocket Ref 4th Edition https://www.amazon.com/dp/1885071620/

It has all kinds of info in a small form factor.

Also some travel chopsticks or utensils.

u/Hredx · 1 pointr/woodworking

Carpentry and Construction, 3rd edition by John L. Feirer and Gilbert R. Hutchings - Amazon link

Cabinetmaking and Millwork also by John L. Fairer Amazon link

Pocket Reference, 4rth edition by Thomas Glover - Amazon link, Reddit thread

All books will be instantly obvious as to why they are valuable when you first open them up and look inside. Do you want to know the books your favorite YouTuber/teacher would likely have had to learn to start their woodworking paths? These were them.

u/lumberjackninja · 1 pointr/preppers

Pocket Ref by Thomas Glover (Amazon link)

Basically a small handbook of all kinds of useful reference data, especially engineering and automotive related (need to calculate the pressure drop of a given fluid through a pipe of a given diameter flowing at a given speed? Need to re-jet a carburetor? Determine the maximum safe loading of a soft pine floor vs. an oak floor?) in addition to miscellaneous data (zip codes, how to perform CPR on babies and small animals, major poison and burn centers for your region of the US, names of various groups of animals like hamsters and crows). I got these as gifts for my groomsmen, since I prefer to give "useful" items like tools and books.

For basic (non-electronic) electrical stuff, I've heard good thing about the Navy's training materials, but I haven't read it myself.

For electronic circuits, I recommend The Art of Electronics by Horowitz & Hill. They just came out with a new version that's apparently more focused on modern digital circuitry (microcontrollers). This is the book that I used when I was learning analog circuits; it gives good descriptions of things like resistance/reactance/impedance, LCR circuits, transistors, oscillators, op-amps and other amplifiers, as well as RF circuits. I think my edition also covered some 7400 series logic and ancient microcontrollers.

u/radicalpoptart · 1 pointr/aspergers

Yeah I remember having trouble with insomnia as early as 6 years old. Meditation hasn't really helped. Melatonin helps or skullcap tea. Lately what has been helping me sleep well is smoking a little bit of cannabis and reading a random chapter in the Pocket Ref

u/suihcta · 1 pointr/EDC

In rough order, starting from the upper left corner:

u/jt7724 · 1 pointr/videos

I'm sure this isn't what you're talking about, but it immediately reminded me of the pocket ref they seem to go for about 8 dollars and you can pick them up at most hardware stores, for anyone interested in this type of thing.

u/open_water · 1 pointr/AskElectronics

The Electronics Pocket Handbook:

http://www.amazon.ca/Electronics-Pocket-Handbook-3rd-Edition/dp/0137841906

Handy reference I keep at work. Only issue I have with the book is the space wasted on an extremly outdated "How to use a computer" section.

I also have a copy of the Pocket Reference at my desk.

http://www.amazon.ca/Pocket-Reference-4th-Thomas-Glover/dp/1885071620/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1419024326&sr=1-1&keywords=pocket+ref

u/Vjdit · 1 pointr/DIY

This is the book used to teach students entering into carpentry and building construction where I'm at in the US:

http://www.amazon.com/Carpentry-Building-Construction-John-Feirer/dp/0696110040

It not only tells you how but why things are built the way they are. It gives you a primer on not only carpentry and construction but also the tools used in the trades, how to manage construction schedules (when to have electricians, plumbers, finish carpenters, etc. scheduled to show up) and how to manage construction cost (when to use engineered lumber and when not to, how to plant landscaping to mitigate heating and cooling costs, how to position the build on the lot you have to best take advantage of Sun, wind, and on and on).

It's aim is to take a complete novice and provide them with enough knowledge to start in the construction trades. Having said that, it is a bit dated so a supplimentary book with updates on the things that have changed would be a good idea to get in addition to this one. Having said that, if there is one book the vast majority of carpenters and builders in the US have read, this is the one.

PS
I'd also get this:
http://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/1885071620/

u/cschaef66 · 1 pointr/GiftIdeas

What kind of science? If they lean toward engineering, you could consider the Pocket Ref. It's a small and extremely concise manual on how to do anything. Also, it's the most popular book on Amazon.
http://www.amazon.com/Pocket-Ref-Edition-Thomas-Glover/dp/1885071620
Personally, I study Computer Science and I love science toys. http://www.thinkgeek.com/geektoys/science/

u/ImALittleCrackpot · 1 pointr/preppers

How about a Pocket Ref?

u/theantipode · 1 pointr/everymanshouldknow

Got mine on Amazon. You might have to ask someone who works in your local book store where it'd be, or have them look it up.

u/gramathy · 1 pointr/AskReddit

Whiskey (either scotch or bourbon, but nothing expensive in case of theft or confiscation)

Various leatherman sizes (mostly for the different sized screwdrivers and knife variety)

Jerky (high in calories and doesn't go bad)

A Pocket Ref (http://www.amazon.com/Pocket-Ref-Edition-Thomas-Glover/dp/1885071620/ref=pd_bxgy_b_img_y)

u/ArchersTest910 · 1 pointr/EDC

Pretty much everything. See here for a bit more info. Plenty of other places sell it though. You can find it on the checkout counter of many hardware stores.

u/NoCountryForOldPete · 1 pointr/gunpolitics

Excellent, thanks dude! I think I might actually have a copy of that FM kicking around somewhere, but who knows where it's at, so maybe it'd not a bad idea for me to pick up another. Also, if we're sharing good sources of info, look into picking up a copy of Thomas Glover's "Pocket Ref", it's tiny enough to keep in your bag, and I promise once you flip through the pages, you'll know what I mean when I say it's impossible to suggest that buying it was a mistake.

u/jz57fuckyouotherjz57 · 1 pointr/Physics

I up-voted just for the title. I would also agree in that Griffith's book Introduction to Elementary Particle Physics is a good choice. I did an REU in Nuclear Physics, and this book was really helpful to me. Here is a link.

http://www.amazon.com/Introduction-Elementary-Particles-David-Griffiths/dp/3527406018/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1304069903&sr=1-1

u/fikuhasdigu · 1 pointr/AskAcademia
u/MizarsAsterism · 1 pointr/zen

Oh I thought we were talking about poetry. Try this one then.

u/limitz · 1 pointr/Physics

Well, I don't mind reading a few equations. My former institute would be ashamed of me if I couldn't even do that.

Let me clarify. By "non-mathematical", I don't want to read pages and pages of derivations, justifications, and proofs. I want to get a book with excellent qualitative descriptions of the particles, their functions, the stories behind their discoveries, experimental descriptions of the verification of each one, and how they interact with each other.

I've been looking at these few titles:

http://www.amazon.com/Standard-Model-Primer-Cliff-Burgess/dp/0521860369

http://www.amazon.com/Introduction-Standard-Model-Particle-Physics/dp/0521852498/ref=sr_1_2?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1342797161&sr=1-2&keywords=standard+model

http://www.amazon.com/Introduction-Elementary-Particles-David-Griffiths/dp/3527406018/ref=pd_bxgy_b_text_b


Do you any experience with these few?

u/vonkwink · 1 pointr/science

By the way, if you want to read up on particle physics, give this book a try. It's very accessible; Griffiths is a great author of physics texts.

u/aramadorc · 1 pointr/ParticlePhysics

Introduction to Elementary Particles by David Griffiths is a common standard introductory book that is self-contained (up to a reasonable degree) and fairly basic still covering most of the important topics for an intro.

http://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/3527406018/ref=redir_mdp_mobile/182-8847591-2278642

u/granitehoncho · 1 pointr/suggestmeabook

If you want a good read, but a real practical look at how to re-establish civilization, then you'll enjoy The Knowledge: How to Rebuild Civilization in the Aftermath of a Cataclysm by Lewis Dartnell.

u/derwiki · 1 pointr/pics

Check out "How We Got To Now" by Steven Johnson http://amzn.com/B00INIXU5I

u/Mackilroy · 1 pointr/space

You're thinking far too small. We don't need to leave the solar system to find other environments to live - we can easily (relatively speaking) create such places here in the solar system, almost anywhere we choose. If your conception is that we have to live on a planetary body, jettison it, and you'll find a lot more options open up. Within current engineering ability, we can build large, earthlike habitats that offer 1G.

It's not about saving a few thousand people, or about the very richest of humanity escaping. It's about using the resources of space in a big way to both enrich those on Earth, by providing lots of clean energy from space, and seeing millions of people living and working offworld. We have the ability to do it, and if we use it wisely, it will help us clean up Earth faster than expecting all our solutions to come from what we have on Earth itself.

For a more hopeful view of the future than what you see, I seriously recommend reading both of these books: The High Frontier and 2081. I think you'll find that there's a lot more to recommend to space travel and use than what the public has been exposed to through decades of government dominance.

u/lughnasadh · 0 pointsr/philosophy

If you have read any of Eric Drexler's books on nano-technology, like Engines of Creation or Radical Abundance - he expects the future of nano-tech to be Atomically Precise Manufacturing decentralized at the local level.

I'm very interested in futurology & I find it interesting that two trends that seem to be underpinning all technological change in the 21st century are decentralization and disintermediation.

So in a sense, i'd say Marx may be half right - it is the ultimate fate of the means of production to pass from the control of traditional capitalists, but not to the the state, a body whose significance will fade in our lives as the 21st century goes on, but rather pass closer to regular people at the decentralized local level.

u/Shankersplash · 0 pointsr/videos
u/DanVade · 0 pointsr/LifeProTips