Mathematics and the Physical World

Rating:
Summary: A Tasty Mix of Math and History
Review: Kline's book is a surprisingly accessible history of math, equations and all. It's a perfect balance for those who know their history and want to know more about the math behind scientific ideas, and those who know their math and want to delve into the practical applications of mathematical ideas.

I loved the examination of how Eratosthenes calculated the circumference of the earth pretty accurately for a guy without so much as a telescope. I had terrific "aha" experiences reading the book, and the students I tutor in math are getting a bunch of interesting background stories with their algebra lessons.

Galileo's and Newton's calculations are a great way for the theoretically inclined to get their feet wet in physics. For all of us mathematicians who actually thought math developed in a vacuum, this book has excellent examples of how inextricably linked math, science and history are.

Rating:
Summary: Still the BEST basic review of Applied Mathematics..
Review: This book is geared to the general reader who has a cursory knowledge of mathematics. The chapters are organized around physical phenomena and the math behind their explanation. The result is a charming and VERY useful book. I have the 1970 edition which is quite worn from frequent use. The chapter titled, Differential Equations - The Heart Of Analysis, is exceptionally beautiful and pertinent. Reading this book is akin to a treasure hunt. There is page after page of mathematical discovery. Reading the chapter on Motion Of Projectiles made me terribly angry at the banal way in which this topic is handled in high school texts. Things such as quadratic equations and the law of gravitation are explained very well. I sincerely believe that this book should be a required text for High School math students. Highly recommended. The Dover edition is very affordable so even if it means foregoing a meal, do it. Buy this book! Well worth your time.

Rating:
Summary: Still the BEST basic review of Applied Mathematics..
Review: This book is geared to the general reader who has a cursory knowledge of mathematics. The chapters are organized around physical phenomena and the math behind their explanation. The result is a charming and VERY useful book. I have the 1970 edition which is quite worn from frequent use. The chapter titled, Differential Equations - The Heart Of Analysis, is exceptionally beautiful and pertinent. Reading this book is akin to a treasure hunt. There is page after page of mathematical discovery. Reading the chapter on Motion Of Projectiles made me terribly angry at the banal way in which this topic is handled in high school texts. Things such as quadratic equations and the law of gravitation are explained very well. I sincerely believe that this book should be a required text for High School math students. Highly recommended. The Dover edition is very affordable so even if it means foregoing a meal, do it. Buy this book! Well worth your time.

Rating:
Summary: Mathematics and the Physical World by Morris Kline
Review: This work is an excellent reference for the history of
mathematics. It begins describing some ancient numbering
systems. i.e. The Hindus utilized negative numbers. There was
an evolution in geometry. The development and refinement of
curves were set forth into equations. Newton's laws were
formulated . i.e. F= MA
The motion of projectiles evolved into the use of the sine and
cosine to describe curvilinear motion. The laws of gravity,
motion and oscillations were refined further into a multiplicity of uses in mathematics and theoretical physics. Many of the fundamental
laws and processes of the earlier mathematics have evolved into
important applications in theoretical and practical engineering.
Examples are Newton's Laws, the Bernoulli equations and a host
of other scientific achievements.

Rating:
Summary: A Journey In Time
Review: What a journey! This book will never age with time. A must read for those interested in the humanistic value of a subject concider cold and forbiding by some who are disallusioned about what mathematics really is and its purpose in the history of mankind. A book that could only have been written by Morris Kline,an educator who saw the beauty of the subject. I can say no more.

Rating:
Summary: A Journey In Time
Review: What a journey! This book will never age with time. A must read for those interested in the humanistic value of a subject concider cold and forbiding by some who are disallusioned about what mathematics really is and its purpose in the history of mankind. A book that could only have been written by Morris Kline,an educator who saw the beauty of the subject. I can say no more.