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The Story of Measurement
Andrew Robinson
£19.95
An illustrated history of measurement, from the earliest times to the digital world of today
Overview
Anyone interested in the role of science in everyday life will find in this marvellous book accessible, intelligent, visual and often entertaining answers to the questions we all ask about how we measure ourselves, or planet and the Universe.
Part fascinating history, part cutting-edge science, it explores everything measurable, from temperature, earthquakes and radioactivity to music, blood and social attitudes, as well as the origins of the metric system in the French Revolution.
Reviews
'Covers not merely the obvious elements that we record, but also the more intriguing … crammed with illustrations'
Financial Times Magazine
'Makes a good reference text but can easily be read cover to cover'
Physics World
'Sumptuous, a sensual pleasure to look at and look into … intelligently written and always rewarding to dip into'
Geomatics World
Product Information
Book Details
Format: Hardback
Size: 25.4 x 19.2 cm
Extent: 224 pp
Illustrations: 334
Publication date: 15 October 2007
ISBN: 9780500513675
Contents List
Introduction • I. The Meaning of Measurement – 1. Surveying Creation 2. Number and Mathematics 3. Customary Units 4. Instruments and Techniques • II. Measuring Nature – 5. Atoms 6. Earth 7. Universe III. Measuring Man – 8. Mind 9. Body 10. Society 11. The Measure of All Things
About the Author
Andrew Robinson is the author of twenty-five books in the arts and sciences, nine of them on aspects of Indian history and culture. They include two definitive biographies: Satyajit Ray: The Inner Eye, described by V. S. Naipaul as ‘an extraordinarily good, detailed and selfless book’, and the coauthored Rabindranath Tagore: The Myriad-Minded Man. He holds degrees from Oxford University and the School of Oriental and African Studies, London, has been a Visiting Fellow of Wolfson College, Cambridge, and is currently a Fellow of the Royal Asiatic Society.
