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Earth

Review: The Seventy Great Mysteries of the Natural World edited by Michael J Benton

By Douglas Palmer

22 October 2008

THESE wonderfully illustrated short essays by a galaxy of scientists investigate 70 mysteries of our planet, from “how did the Earth form?” to “human behaviour and saving the planet”. Some are better than others at “unlocking the secrets of our planet”, as promised by the book’s subtitle. With a good mixture of the profound, such as the origin of multicelled organisms, and pub-quiz facts – there is enough gold in the Earth’s core to form a layer 0.5 metres deep over the whole surface – there is an enjoyable mystery for everyone.

The Seventy Great Mysteries of the Natural World

Michael J.…

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