Synthesis of the Elements in Stars" in Reviews of Modern Physics 29, October 1957, pp. 547-650 de Burbidge, E. Margaret; Burbidge, G. R.; Fowler, William A.; and Hoyle F - 1957

FIRST EDITION IN ORIGINAL WRAPS of a seminal 100+ page paper that "describes hydrogen and helium are formed in the interior of stars" (Daintith, Oxford Dictionary of Scientists, 268). This paper, widely considered "one of the most authoritative and comprehensive works of modern science" is so famous that it is commonly referred to simply as B2FH after the initials of its authors (ibid). B2FH is credited with originating what is now known as the theory of stellar nucleosynthesis. An often quoted statement of Carl Sagan, "We are all star stuff," is simply his paraphrase of this review paper's thesis (ibid). B2FH predicted the chemical evolution of the universe testable through stellar spectral line emulsions, using this to illustrate the possibility that all heavy earth elements in face originate from the furnace-like cores of nearby extinct solar phenomena. CONDITION & DETAILS: "Synthesis of the Elements in Stars" in Reviews of Modern Physics 29, October 1957, pp. 547-650. Quarto (1.5 x 7.75 inches; 263 x 194mm). Original wraps. Bears the ownership signature of Herbert Conrad 'Hobey' De Staebler at the head of the front wrap. De Staebler was an important member of the experimental program at High Energy Physics Laboratory at Stanford. Somewhat faded at the spine (see image); professionally rebacked. Bright and clean throughout. Very good condition.