Mathematics: Powerful Patterns in Nature and Society

Harry Henderson0816057508, 9780816057504, 9781604130621

Milestones in Discovery and Invention is an eight-volume set based on a simple yet powerful idea-that science and technology are integral to people’s daily lives in terms of how they understand the world and each other. Combining biography, scientific reasoning, and history, each volume describes the flow of scientific and technological ideas through the innovations that affected society and made further research possible. Mathematics is a fascinating overview of 10 individuals who contributed significantly to the development of that science. Each chapter contains relevant information on the person’s research, accomplishments, ethical or professional obstacles, and lasting contributions and concludes with a chronology and a list of particular print and Internet references.The individuals (and their areas of research or accomplishment) profiled are: Leonardo of Pisa (Fibonacci numbers), Karl Pearson (statistics), John von Neumann (the modern computer, game theory, quantum physics), John Nash (game theory), Benoit Mandelbrot (fractal geometry), Edward Lorenz (chaos theory), John H. Conway (the Game of Life), Roger Penrose (the quantum world and the brain), Christopher Langton (artificial life), Stephen Wolfram (Mathematica). Mathematics includes 40 black-and-white photographs and line illustrations, a glossary, a chronology of notable events, a list of print and Internet resources, and an index. Milestones in Discovery and Invention is an essential set for students, teachers, and general readers that provides insight into the human quest for understanding, exploration, and innovation.