Portland Public Library

One, two, three-- infinity, facts and speculations of science, George Gamow, illustrated by the author

eng

illustrations

index present

non fiction

One, two, three-- infinity

18106550

George Gamow, illustrated by the author

facts and speculations of science

Nuclear physicist George Gamow takes the reader on an expedition through the problems, pleasures and puzzles of modern science. Among the topics scrutinized are the macrocosm and the microcosm, theory of numbers, relativity of space and time, entropy, genes, atomic structure, nuclear fission, and the origin of the solar system. 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 in the fourth dimension and a host of other topics

Playing with numbers. Big numbers ; Natural and artificial numbers -- Space, time & Einstein. Unusual properties of space ; The world of four dimensions ; Relativity of space and time -- Microcosmos. Descending staircase ; Modern alchemy ; The law of disorder ; The riddle of life -- Macrocosmos. Expanding horizons ; The days of creation