Story of MeasurementThe first fully illustrated guide to the human passion for measurement:of our experiences, our surroundings, and the universe. This lively survey covers an astonishing array of subjects, from the earliest currency to the birth of the meter, from the force of hurricanes to body mass index, from air pressure, earthquakes, and pollen counts to happiness, blood types, and intelligence. Each measuring method is put into its proper historical context and explained in detail. The book follows the same format as Andrew Robinson's popular The Story of Writing. It is organized into three broad sections—The Meaning of Measurement, Measuring Nature, and Measuring Man—which are then broken down into chapters. Each chapter features a series of self-contained spreads that deal with a specific topic. The wide range of illustrations spans the history of the world and its diverse cultures. 250 illustrations, 120 in color. |
Contents
Introduction | 7 |
THE MEANING OF MEASURING | 19 |
Number and Mathematics | 32 |
Copyright | |
10 other sections not shown
Common terms and phrases
19th century accuracy analemma ancient Andrew Robinson angle astronomical atmosphere atoms Babylonian blood body calculated calendar Cassini Celsius cent chemical chemical elements circle clock colour cosmological constant cubit decimal diagram distance Earth earthquake Einstein electrical electromagnetic electrons energy equal equator eruption example fingerprinting Fractal French frequency galaxies Global Positioning System golden ratio Greek Greenwich Hubble space telescope human hurricane International invented kilogram known laser latitude length light lines logarithmic London longitude magnetic magnitude mathematical means metre metric system millimetres million modern molecules Moon nanometres National National Physical Laboratory Nature observed ocean orbit particles physical physicist planets pollen pressure radiation radioactive ratio Roman satellite scale scientific scientists screw shows solar space standard stars surface survey symbols telescope temperature Theodore Porter theory units Universe volcano wavelength waves weights and measures words writing zero