One Two Three . . . Infinity: Facts and Speculations of Science (Dover Books on Mathematics)

Whatever your level of scientific expertise, chances are you’ll derive a great deal of pleasure, stimulation, and information from this unusual and imaginative book. It belongs in the library of anyone curious about the wonders of the scientific universe. One of the world’s foremost nuclear physicists (celebrated for his theory of radioactive decay, among other accomplishments), George Gamow possessed the unique ability of making the world of science accessible to the general reader. He brings that ability to bear in this delightful expedition through the problems, pleasures, and puzzles of modern science. In the pages of this book readers grapple with such crucial matters as whether it is possible to bend space , why a rocket shrinks , the ” end of the world problem ,” excursions into the fourth dimension , and a host of other tantalizing topics for the scientifically curious including: Macrocosm and the microcosm Theory of numbers Relativity of space and time Entropy Genes Atomic structure Nuclear fission The origin of the solar system Brimming with amusing anecdotes and provocative problems, One Two Three . . . Infinity also includes over 120 delightful pen-and-ink illustrations by the author , adding another dimension of good-natured charm to these wide-ranging explorations. “. . . full of intellectual treats and tricks, of whimsy and deep scientific philosophy. It is highbrow entertainment at its best, a teasing challenge to all who aspire to think about the universe.” — New York Herald Tribune Dover publishes an impressive collection of popular science books including technology and invention, space and time, basic machines and computers, forces and fields, chaos, biographies of Einstein and Newton, and much more.