Broca's Brain: Reflections on the Romance of Science by Carl Sagan 1974

This book explores various scientific topics and themes, including:

• The life and work of Paul Broca, a pioneering doctor in brain studies, and the story behind Sagan seeing and holding Broca's actual brain, which influenced the book's title. 
• The methods, significance, and benefits of science. 
• Astronomy and astrophysics. 
• The human future in space and the search for extraterrestrials. 
• Einstein's philosophy regarding science and religion. 
• Debunking "paradoxes" and exploring "ultimate questions". 

The essays in the book are focused on provoking thought about how the world works and discussing scientists and events of the past. Much of the material laid the groundwork for Sagan's later work, Cosmos.