Smithsonian Institution

Accessible exploration of the noteworthy scientific career of James Smithson, who left his fortune to establish the Smithsonian Institution. James Smithson is best known as the founder of the Smithsonian Institution, but few people know his full and fascinating story. He was a widely respected chemist and mineralogist and a member of the Royal Society, but in 1865, his letters, collection of 10,000 minerals, and more than 200 unpublished papers were lost to a fire in the Smithsonian Castle. His scientific legacy was further written off as insignificant in an 1879 essay published through the Smithsonian fifty years after his death--a claim that author Steven Turner demonstrates is far from the truth. By providing scientific and intellectual context to his work, The Science of James Smithson is a comprehensive tribute to Smithson's contributions to his fields, including chemistry, mineralogy, and more. This detailed narrative illuminates Smithson and his quest for knowledge at a time when chemists still debated thing as basic as the nature of fire, and struggled to maintain their networks amid the ever-changing conditions of the French Revolution and the Napoleonic Wars.

Voyage beneath the waves to realms of beauty and mystery -- ready for you to color! The Smithsonian Institution presents an awe-inspiring new coloring book that explores the diverse biology of our underwater world. With this meticulously illustrated coloring book, sea-faring fans of all ages can unlock wonders of oceanic depths, interacting with the diverse terrain and species that inhabit these watery spaces. Guided by experts from the Smithsonian and brought to life by Rachel Curtis (Birds: A Smithsonian Coloring Book), these rich pen and ink illustrations invite you to step into captivating scenes featuring the Giant Squid, Corals, Moray Eel, Giant Isopod, Caribbean Octopus, Orca, Starfish, and more. Fans of coloring books and aquatic life will find an enchanting realm to explore with their own creativity. Each page of Sea Creatures: A Smithsonian Coloring Book not only stands alone as a work of art, but is also accompanied by brief and fascinating insights from museum experts, ensuring that time spent coloring is also time spent learning. This book's deluxe ivory paper allows for a variety of artistic media like pen, pencil, or even watercolor, to ensure your creative vision comes to life just the way you want--and lasts for years to come.