The World of Numbers

Originally published in 1946, this book explains important aspects of the world through the lens of mathematics.

Herbert McKay (Author)

9781107494992, Cambridge University Press

Paperback / softback, published 2 April 2015

208 pages
19.8 x 12.7 x 1.1 cm, 0.23 kg

Originally published in 1946, this book explains important aspects of the world through the lens of mathematics. McKay discusses important questions such as time, the size of the earth and 'numbers that mean too much' in language that is enthusiastic and easily accessible to non-mathematicians. This book will be of value to anyone with an interest in the history of mathematics.

Preface
1. A girdle round about the Earth
2. The trials of geographers
3. The arithmetic of great rivers
4. Widdershins
5. The all-composing hour
6. Ellipses and orbits
7. Proportions in the stars
8. The Earth in a balance
9. The prodigal sun
10. Magnitudes of the stars
11. Symbols
12. Squaring the circle
13. The ghost quantity
14. Poets' numbers
15. Numbers that mean too much
16. Was man made by the Earth?

Subject Areas: Mathematics [PB]