The Discoveries by Alan Lightman This book is a secular work which brings together into one volume 25 of the great scientific breakthroughs of the 20th century.  It is well written and the author's comments help the reader to understand not only what was being discovered but what lead up to the discoveries.  The scientist's lives are also briefly noted to provide some background to the thinking of the men and women who were instrumental in changing the world the past 100 years. Also included in each chapter are the original papers of the scientists so that if the reader is able or wants to, they can read the scientist's own words as presented to the world so long ago.  This material alone is worth the time to read the book and  grants the reader a chance to make their own informed decisions regarding the benefits of these discoveries. This bookis not for everyone as it is not an easy read as technical and scientific terms may be too much for some, a dictionary on hand would be helpful for others as well.  For christians, this givesthema chance to see what the scientist's are thinking and they can evaluate their work in regards of how it applies to God and the Christian life. It would be nice if quaklified christians would take up such projects so that the christian world would have better guidance when dealing with such topic matters and how they apply to the Christian life.  it is a shame that most works like this are left solely to the non-believing world as the christian loses out on the christian perspective and are left ot muddle through trying to figure out whatis right or wrong about some of these discoveries and how they are applied to life in general. For example, Einstein's theory of relativity and his bending of time.  It would be great if a christian scientist could explain what Einstein meant then put God's perspective on his work and how the two relate. it canget complex and the believer needs  the truth not the secualr version of it. Other than that, itis a good read and worth the money to buy as it presents evidence to the christian world concerning science and how God has allowed things to transpire and come together to meet certain needs and levels of faith.  Scientists think that they have done so much on their own and they fail to realize that God created all these different materials and items to work together to bring out the results these  and other scientists have 'discovered'.  There is no room for the arrogance on the part of the scientists for all they are doing is discovering things that God has made possible ifone researches and investigates properly. The glory for these discoveries should still go to God for He is the one who created all these 'ingredients, gave the scientists their intelligence to fit all these parts together and to decipher codes and mysteries which has lead to these discoveries.  if anything, this book reveals more about God and what He has provided for us, now it is up to us to use it wisely and for His glory.