The harmonious universe : the beauty and unity of scientific understanding / Keith J. Laidler.

Format:

Book

Author/Creator:

Laidler, Keith J. (Keith James), 1916-2003.

Language:

English

Subjects (All):

Science--Miscellanea.

Science.

Genre:

Trivia and miscellanea.

Physical Description:

370 pages : illustrations ; 24 cm

Place of Publication:

Amherst, N.Y. : Prometheus Books, 2004.

Summary:

Darwin and the origin of species, Gregor Mendel and genes, Marie Curie and radioactivity, Ernest Rutherford and the nuclear atom, Albert Einstein and relativity, James Watson and Francis Crick and the structure of DNA, Edward Lorenz and the butterfly effect, and many more. Looking at our universe as a gargantuan system of worlds within worlds, Laidler reviews individually the subatomic world, the microscopic world, the electromagnetic world, the world of energy in all its various forms, our world (Earth) in the context of the larger universe, and the world of our living environment. Concluding with a chapter on methods of inquiry and kinds of truth, Laidler stresses the importance of the interaction between intuitive and empirical methods of investigation in the human quest for understanding. More than just an introduction to scientific knowledge about the universe -- yet engaging and accessible -- The Harmonious Universe will entertain, educate, and inspire an appreciation for science in all its many facets.

Contents:

The microscopic universe

The electromagnetic universe

The world of energy

Packets of energy

The theory of relativity

The subatomic universe

Our world and our universe

Our changing universe

Living things

Chaos theory

Scientific truth.

Notes:

Includes bibliographical references (pages 349-354) and index.

ISBN:

1591021871

OCLC:

54503564