Documenting one of the most remarkable flowerings of knowledge in human history, Suplee explains experiments and achievements of scientific innovators. 225 illustrations, 125 in full color. Explains and illustrates the flowering of physics in the 20th century, with spectacular color photos. Shows how theories about properties of matter were confirmed by ingenious experiments, which in turn spawned practical devices that transformed technology. Achievements of many of this century's greatest thinkers are described. Extraordinary illustrative material focuses on remarkable images, from the atomic to the cosmic scale, that are made possible by the instruments of advanced physics. Also included are photographs of experimental equipment and pioneering inventors. For general readers.