Riverside reviewed The Great Equations by Robert P. Crease
Equations that changed the world
4 stars
An engaging read for non-scientists interested in the history and cultural impact of 10 important equations.
Robert Crease is an enthusiastic guide who takes care to show the process, as well as the literal meaning, of each equation. As he vividly shows, we can experience the joy of understanding logical proof with the Pythagorean theorem, the revelations of natural law with Newton's F=ma, and sheer beauty with Euler's equation. And who could resist the re-casting of thermodynamics research as an actual Shakespeare play?
I will admit that I got lost once we got to relativity, quantum theory, and uncertainty. These subjects may just not be for me. In any event, the first 60% of the book was a pleasure to read even with my limited background, and I'll probably return to the rest of it as I learn more math.