Mathematics and the Laws of Nature: Developing the Language of Science (The History of Mathematics)

Describes The Evolution Of The Idea That Nature Can Be Described In The Language Of Mathematics. --from Publisher Description The Preliminaries -- Mathematics And Science In Ancient Greece -- A Period Of Transition -- New Sciences -- Mathematics And The Law Of Conservation Of Momentum -- Mathematics And The Law Of Conservation Of Mass -- Mathematics And The Laws Of Thermodynamics -- New Insights Into Conservation Laws -- Natural Laws And Randomness. John Tabak. Includes Bibliographical References And Index. Cover......Page 1 Contents......Page 8 Preface......Page 11 Acknowledgments......Page 17 Introduction......Page 18 1: The Preliminaries......Page 22 2: Mathematics and Science in Ancient Greece......Page 41 3: A Period of Transition......Page 60 4: New Sciences......Page 82 5: Mathematics and the Law of Conservation of Momentum......Page 104 6: Mathematics and the Law of Conservation of Mass......Page 123 7: Mathematics and the Laws of Thermodynamics......Page 135 8: New Insights into Conservation Laws......Page 168 9: Natural Laws and Randomness......Page 185 Conclusion......Page 208 Afterword......Page 210 Chronology......Page 222 Glossary......Page 239 Further Resources......Page 245 Index......Page 254 Mathematics and the Laws of Nature, Revised Edition describes the evolution of the idea that nature can be described in the language of mathematics. Colorful chapters explore the earliest attempts to apply deductive methods to the study of the natural world. This revised resource goes on to examine the development of classical conservation laws, including the conservation of momentum, the conservation of mass, and the conservation of energy. Chapters have been updated and revised to reflect recent information, including the mathematical pioneers who introduced new ideas about what it meant to. Describes the evolution of the idea that nature can be described in the language of mathematics. Colourful chapters explore the earliest attempts to apply deductive methods to the study of the natural world. It then goes on to examine the development of classical conservation laws, including the conservation of momentum, the conservation of mass, and the conservation of energy. Traces the history of mathematics, focusing on the role of so-called pure math in the applied sciences, and includes an index, chronology, glossary, and resources for further study