CONSTRUCTING QUARKS. - A Sociological History of Particle Physics

Widely regarded as a classic in its field, Constructing Quarks recounts the history of the post-war development of elementary particle physics. Inviting a reappraisal of the status of scientific knowledge, Andrew Pickering suggests that scientists are not passive observers; and reporters of nature. Rather, they are active producers of the world through a social symbiosis of experimental and theoretical practice. "Constructing Quarks chronicles what many have begun to regard as a major revolution in 20th century science-the discovery of quarks and gauge field theories of strong, electromagnetic and weak interactions. A prodigious piece of scholarship that I can heartily recommend." -Michael Riordan, New Scientist "An admirable history.... Because his account is so detailed and so accurate, and because it makes clear why the physicists did what they did, it is eminently suited to be required reading for all young physicists entering or contemplating entering the practice of elementary-particle physics." -Hugh N. Pendleton, Physics Today "A very detailed description of a remarkable enterprise." -John Polkinghorne, Times Higher Education Supplement