First used in 1980, "biodiversity" often describes the abundance, variety, and genetic constitution of native animals and plants, and has been linked with politics and environmental technology. Although the 1986 National forum on biodiversity brought issues of biodiversity to the fore, the inescapable need to know more about the diversity of life on Earth continues to remain unmet.
In recent years, biodiversity has influenced important scientific considerations, international agreements, conventions, conservation initiatives, political debates, and socio-economic implications. Knowledge derived from the study of biodiversity will affect the quality of life enjoyed in the future by influencing decision-making processes and aiding new discoveries.

Specific cancers, diagnostic procedures, treatments, and much more are discussed thoroughly and in straightforward lay language. Cancer biology, Carcinogenesis, Cancer prevention, Clinical trials, and other cancer-related topics are among the 450 or more entries presented in A-Z format. Uniform entries on specific types of cancer begin with a definition, a description, and demographic and statistical information before focusing on the details--causes, symptoms, diagnosis (including tests and procedures), e-treatment, prognosis, patient coping, home care, prevention, and special concerns. The frank and rather clinical-sounding treatment discussion includes staging, standards, and, when appropriate, alternative therapies, anticipated side effects, and even questions for the doctor. Key terms used in the discussion are identified and explained; clinical trials are noted.

The "Langer Encyclopedia," as the professional academics call The Encyclopedia of World History originally edited by the late William L. Langer, is basically a history of everything--and an outstanding reference volume. Want to know why the English called their 10th-century king Ethelred "the Unready"? See page 181. Or what the Ottoman Empire's constitution of 1876 said? See page 531. Or when women in Honduras got the vote? See page 955.

This book covers everything from aegis cruisers to M1A1 tanks. It is a good book. It doesn't go into detail about weapons but it does mention a weapon's stregths weaknesses and performance specs.

Mental illness is a major cause of disability in the U.S. Thirty million people visit physicians and two million spend time in hospitals every year because of mental disorders. The Gale Encyclopedia of Mental Disor ders provides a good overview of mental illness, psychotherapy, and other treatments. It includes both traditional and alternative therapies. Medical writers, pharmacists, and mental health professionals wrote and edited the 400 signed, alphabetical entries in the set.