On the Shoulders of Giants

ISBN-13: 9780750301039 / Angielski / Miękka / 1994 / 296 str.

Malcolm E. Lines; M. E. Lines

Opis

An investigation of the relationship between the disciplines of physics and mathematics. With each chapter, the author demonstrates how the study of mathematics has provided the theoretical understanding which underpins physical experiments.

Recenzje

"…very readable… On more than one occasion, I found myself saying 'Oh, yes', as Lines brought together historical strands of a familiar derivation. Of course I knew how it was done and where it came from-after Lines had pointed it out."
-Endeavour

"This book sets new standards in the popularization of both mathematics and physics. … cross-referencing gives the book a satisfying unity."
-Nature

"…a very interesting popular science book…"
-Australian and New Zealand Physicist

"His aim has been to demonstrate the value of mathematics in science. The value is undoubted, but few have established it so clearly and with such fresh examples. A large audience of people with some acquaintance with either of those subjects could read this book with profit."
-Mathematical Reviews

"…a beautifully written and highly entertaining book."
-Zentralblatt fur Mathematik

Spis treści

Introduction
From Aristotle to the Structure of Glass
From Euclid to General Relativity
From Plucking Strings to Electrons in Solids
The Perception of Number: From Integers to Quaternions
From Tiling Floors to Quasicrystals
Determinism: From Newton to Quantum Chaos
Symmetry: From Galois to Superstrings
From Coin Tossing to Entropy
Topology: From the Bridges of Konigsberg to Polymers
From Parabolas to Fractons
Motion: From Zeno to Schrödinger
Appendices
Index

O autorze

M.E. Lines