A Brief History of Science - Hardcover

Crump, Thomas

Hardcover

ISBN 10: 184119235X ISBN 13: 9781841192352

Publisher: Constable, 2001

Synopsis

From the beginnings of history, with gnomans and sundials, through to the 21st century and the 26-kilometre underground particle accelerator, this work describes the way that the design and production of scientific instruments has extended the frontiers of science. Man's desire to understand the universe has led to the making of more and more sophisticated instruments - first to record and measure (Arab numerals, standarized measures), to examine ever more minutely (the microscope, the lens, the prism), on through electromagnets, cathode tubes, thermometers, vacuum pumps, X-rays, counters and accelerators, semi-conductors and micro-processors, down to instruments now being designed to observe matter at zero temperatures - presenting immense technological problems in the requirement for instruments that can operate in conditions where normal properties no longer hold - no gases, no electrical resistance. With vivid pen-portraits of the scientists responible for such advances, this book should be of interest to both scientists and general readers.

About this title

About the Author

Thomas Crump's passionate Interest in science and its history has given rise to a number of books, most recently Solar Eclipse and The Anthropology of Numbers. A mathematician and anthropologist, until his retirement in 1994, he taught anthropology at the University of Amsterdam.

Edition details

• Publisher: Constable
• Publication date: 2001
• Language: English
• ISBN 10: 184119235X
• ISBN 13: 9781841192352
• Binding: Hardcover
• Number of pages: 384