"Essential scientific contributions from African Americans go back as far as colonial times and have led to innovations in everything from the light bulb to open-heart surgery ... Ranging across all of the scientific disciplines, this encyclopedia offers a comprehensive exploration of the impact of African American scientists throughout U.S. history--their accomplishments, the obstacles overcome, and the challenges they still face. The encyclopedia includes in-depth information about the scientific contributions of more than 100 leading African American scientists; more than 150 entries on the institutions and organizations dedicated to helping African Americans pursue their scientific careers; issue-centered entries on important topics"--Publisher description.