Dictionary of Symbols: Myths, Dreams, Customs, Gestures, Shapes

It has been 30 years since the first edition of this encyclopedia was published. Over this span of time, the terminology in science and technology has expanded at a rapid rate, resulting in the addition of some 5,000 new terms in each edition. The sixth edition continues that expansion and now has some 110,000 terms and 125,000 definitions, accompanied by 3,000 black-and-white illustrations. The format continues as in the past, with letter-by-letter alphabetization. Synonyms, acronyms, and abbreviations are given within the definition. Pronunciation of each and every term continues to set this dictionary apart from other science and technology dictionaries. It is a large, heavy volume that lies flat when open. It may be time for the publisher to consider a two-volume work for ease of handling by the patron.
Each entry is classed into one or more of 104 fields, from "Acoustics" to "Zoology," for which abbreviations are inserted in the definitions. These fields have been revised to reflect modern usage with some new ones added, including "Forensic Science" and "Neuroscience." A detailed scope note for each field is included near the front of the dictionary. The 3,000 illustrations are in the outside margin of each page near the appropriate term and are crisp and clear. One change that would be useful in future editions is referring the reader to the appendix when appropriate. Periodic table is defined in the main part of the dictionary but there is no reference to the periodic table in the appendix, which would be missed if one did not browse through the back matter. Among other items in the appendix are information on measurements systems, mathematical signs and symbols, and very brief biographies of Nobel laureates and individuals after whom scientific terms are named.
This continues to be the most comprehensive science and technology dictionary for the student, researcher, and layperson. It is recommended for most libraries.