Some of the world's leading scientists have contributed original pieces - an elementary idea, a basic concept, a tool for thought - relevant to their field. These pieces together form an intellectual tool-kit for the intellectually curious to use in extending their reading in scientific areas. The pieces are arranged in thematic groups including Thinking about Science, Evolution, Mind, Cosmos and The Future and each essay is short, and is self-contained (no prior knowledge is required). Contributors include RICHARD DAWKINS, LEE SMOLIN, ALAN GUTH, STEPHEN JAY GOULD, STEVE JONES, LEWIS WOLPERT, NILES ELDREDGE, PAUL DAVIES and MARTIN REES.