| Part of this book was originally written in 1976 when some thirty copies were printed and distributed to interested parties. A wider distribution was planned but never carried out. In re-reading the first edition written 29 years ago, I am struck by the fact that arguments for a nuclear-powered future and a need to develop portable synfuels and new engines have remained unchanged over all these years. Nuclear proliferation and international weapon control issues in 1976 are also quite applicable still today.
This book can be used as a textbook in an introductory course on nuclear engineering. More generally, the subject matter can be reviewed in a first-year college class for students planning a career in engineering, economics, political science, law, and for those who will be involved with structuring our future society. The book is also recommended reading for high-school seniors contemplating a higher education. Some familiarity with high-school physics and chemistry is helpful, but ‘one does not have to be a rocket scientist’ to understand the essential issues. All material is based on ‘hard’ science, as opposed to dubious ‘pop’ or ‘junk’ science one often sees which distorts the facts and exploits people’s predilection for the sensational. |
