I’ve previously mentioned “Understanding Science”, an Encyclopedia in parts from the early sixties that I devoured like a sponge when I was a Junior.
There were a few knocking about the house, and when I was about Ten, I asked my Mum if we had any more as I was interested in a particular one (about the heart) that I could see reference to in the index but I worked out we had the ones before and after it. My Mum looked at my Dad, said that I was old enough, then opened up the top cupboard in the lounge (the one I couldn’t reach, probably santa’s hideaway!) and produced some bound sets.
As luck would have it, I found a full set on eBay a couple of weeks ago and picked them up for less than a Fiver. (The Parcel was three times that!) So, thank you grandma Dot, for a great 50th Birthday present. (I doubt she thought I’s spend the cash on that…)
The surprising thing is, I recognise most of the illustrations in the first three volumes, so familiar were they to me from such a long time ago. I’m looking forward to enjoying the other nine!
Of course, being from the sixties, they are very much of their time so there are no integrated circuits, digital electronics or quantum mechanics. Whilst there are transistors, most of the electronics articles are about valves (Merkin;-Tubes). It is lavishly illustrated though and this picture below of what would have been a modern dentist will be so familiar to many. (although most of the ones I saw were black or cream enamel).
