Although it is not its primary purpose, the book touches on a variety of scientific problems. Some of these are complex, and Sagan explains them with concepts and in language that can be readily grasped by the non-scientist. For example, I marvel at how he explains the abstract subject of Maxwell's equations and makes clear some of their practical impacts. Sagan believes that scientists are not doing enough to reach the public with their work and ideas. That scientists are often reluctant to do so is understandable.
Oversimplification often distorts the ideas conveyed.
The preciseness and logical rigor of the scientific method cannot be properly appreciated, and the concepts examined become fuzzy, which in turn leads to faulty interpretations. Also, much of the analytical power of science is lost or, worse, its concepts are used inappropriately as in pseudo science. Of even more concern is the possibility that the scientifically uneducated public may begin to accept or approve only those problems that can be readily popularized, and to reject those new ideas less easily explained. Certainly, Maxwell's ideas were not met with enthusiasm by the public of his day. But Sagan's book reaches far beyond the issue of the communication of science.