1) Explanation

Let's break down the sentence to understand the context and the meaning required for the blank:
- "Among the $\qquad$ books on culinary science in circulation, a few have dealt with the particular constraints of the kosher kitchen."
- The key phrase here is "a few have dealt with the particular constraints of the kosher kitchen." This implies that the total number of books on culinary science in circulation is large, and among that large number, only a small subset focuses on kosher cuisine.
- Therefore, the blank needs a word that means "many" or "numerous."

Let's evaluate the given options:
- A. negligible: So small or unimportant as to be not worth considering. This describes significance, not quantity, and certainly not a large quantity.
- B. scarce: Insufficient for the demand; rare. This implies a small quantity, which contradicts the context.
- C. copious: Abundant in supply or quantity; plentiful. This perfectly fits the idea that there are many books on culinary science, from which a "few" specific ones can be drawn.
- D. scant: Barely sufficient or adequate; meager. This implies a small quantity, which contradicts the context.
- E. noisome: Having an extremely offensive smell; disagreeable. This is irrelevant to the context of books on culinary science.

Conclusion:

The word "copious" best conveys the idea of a large number of books on culinary science, making it logical that "a few" of them would cover a niche topic like kosher kitchen constraints.

The final answer is copious.