The Beginner's Guide to Constructing the Universe

Why are cans, pizzas, and manhole covers round? Why does the spiral pattern appear in galaxies, hurricanes, and haircuts? In this engaging exploration of the ways mathematical principles have shaped the world around us, Michael Schneider demonstrates how cathedrals, cucumbers, beehives, and the human body arise from the numbers 1 through 10. From the structure of molecules to the structure of board games, Schneider reveals that the language of geometry informs every level of the universe we inhabit, including the universe of our minds. Why is the number 7 lucky? Why is 6 our standard reference for measuring time? A richly illustrated journey of science and philosophy, A Beginner''s Guide to Constructing the Universe provides readers with a new and utterly compelling view of the world.

Product details

• Authors: M. Schneider, Michael S. Schneider, Schneider Michael S.
• Publisher: Harper Perennial USA
• Languages: English
• Product format: Paperback / Softback
• Released: 29.09.1995
• EAN: 9780060926717
• ISBN: 978-0-06-092671-7
• No. of pages: 384
• Dimensions: 187 mm x 235 mm x 22 mm
• Subjects: Natural sciences, medicine, IT, technology > Natural sciences (general); Astrophysics, Mathematics, geometry, Reference works, Physics, Philosophy of Mathematics, Social and cultural history, Philosophy: metaphysics and ontology, Classical mechanics, General and world history, Number Theory, Quantum physics (quantum mechanics and quantum field theory), Nature and the natural world: general interest, History of mathematics, Trivia and quiz questions, Astronomy, space and time, HISTORY: WORLD, HISTORY: 20TH CENTURY AMERICAN, HISTORY: AMERICAN, SCIENCE: Physics / General, HISTORY: MILITARY, MATHEMATICS: History & Philosophy, SCIENCE: Space Science / Astronomy, HISTORY: 21ST CENTURY AMERICAN, MATHEMATICS: General, SCIENCE: Physics / Astrophysics, SCIENCE: Physics / Quantum Theory, MATHEMATICS: Number Systems, Number systems