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AN entry-level science tome for the great, indifferent public needs to beguile. Science journalist Natalie Angier uses fine writing to do the job, with a breathless tour of physics, chemistry, evolution, molecular biology, geology and astronomy. She’s most at home with life sciences, but does a pretty good job with the rest, making use of pointers from distinguished researchers to single out the best bits. The writing, though, is so eager to please that it occasionally gets in the way of clear explanation. Best taken in small doses, to give pleasure to the cognoscenti and illumination to the beginner.