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Life by the Numbers by K. Devlin, Wiley, New York, 1998, ISBN 0-1471-24044-3; US$18.95, £14.99 (softback)
Talanta 52 (2000) 563 www.elsevier.com/locate/talanta
Book review Life by the Numbers by K. Devlin, Wiley, New York, 1998, ISBN 0-1471-24044-3; US$18.95, £14.99 (softback) This is a well written and illustrated mathematics book, which covers an intriguing range of mathematical ideas, without including any mathematics. Chapter 1 argues effectively for the idea that all life is mathematical, with no escape. The problems are with us and the power of mathematical ideas help us understand it. Chapter 2 introduces the importance of graphical images as an illustration and often a solution to mathematical problems. Chapter 3 questions how the complex patterns of nature are produced, very often by simple formulae. Chapter 4 questions the effectiveness of number to explain phenomena and the endeavours of many to improve the predictions and solutions. We observe the dimpled golf ball flying further and straighter than the smooth one, the mathematics that explained why, coming after the event. Chapter 5 starts with the shape of a spherical world, and wonders at the shape of the universe and our ability to understand. Chapter 6 asks if the universe is governed by chance or by design. The answer seems to be both yes and no. The randomness of the dice and the study of chaos produces predictable and beautiful
patterns, an apparently contradictory idea. Chapter 7 looks ahead. The advent of the computer, with the ability to handle enormous amounts of data at high speed, has already produced solutions to many mathematical problems. The patterns are becoming more complex, but the tools faster and more efficient. Predicting is difficult, but we have the tools. Chapter 8 closes the circle back to the opening premise. The theme of visual imagery and pattern is maintained throughout and introduces the reader to the wonderful power of graphical images to convey ideas. The selection of images coupled with excellent graphic design complements the ideas surveyed. However, the complete absence of any mathematical symbolism makes it difficult to truly appreciate the connections between the natural world and the numbers. Some readers will be tempted to look further for the missing meat, which I believe is as good a reason as any, for reading this book. P. Strachan School of Computer and Mathematical Sciences, The Robert Gordon Uni6ersity, St. Andrews Street, Aberdeen, Scotland, AB25 1HG, UK
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0039-9140/00/$ - see front matter © 2000 Elsevier Science B.V. All rights reserved. PII: S 0 0 3 9 - 9 1 4 0 ( 0 0 ) 0 0 3 5 8 - 1
Book review Life by the Numbers by K. Devlin, Wiley, New York, 1998, ISBN 0-1471-24044-3; US$18.95, £14.99 (softback) This is a well written and illustrated mathematics book, which covers an intriguing range of mathematical ideas, without including any mathematics. Chapter 1 argues effectively for the idea that all life is mathematical, with no escape. The problems are with us and the power of mathematical ideas help us understand it. Chapter 2 introduces the importance of graphical images as an illustration and often a solution to mathematical problems. Chapter 3 questions how the complex patterns of nature are produced, very often by simple formulae. Chapter 4 questions the effectiveness of number to explain phenomena and the endeavours of many to improve the predictions and solutions. We observe the dimpled golf ball flying further and straighter than the smooth one, the mathematics that explained why, coming after the event. Chapter 5 starts with the shape of a spherical world, and wonders at the shape of the universe and our ability to understand. Chapter 6 asks if the universe is governed by chance or by design. The answer seems to be both yes and no. The randomness of the dice and the study of chaos produces predictable and beautiful
patterns, an apparently contradictory idea. Chapter 7 looks ahead. The advent of the computer, with the ability to handle enormous amounts of data at high speed, has already produced solutions to many mathematical problems. The patterns are becoming more complex, but the tools faster and more efficient. Predicting is difficult, but we have the tools. Chapter 8 closes the circle back to the opening premise. The theme of visual imagery and pattern is maintained throughout and introduces the reader to the wonderful power of graphical images to convey ideas. The selection of images coupled with excellent graphic design complements the ideas surveyed. However, the complete absence of any mathematical symbolism makes it difficult to truly appreciate the connections between the natural world and the numbers. Some readers will be tempted to look further for the missing meat, which I believe is as good a reason as any, for reading this book. P. Strachan School of Computer and Mathematical Sciences, The Robert Gordon Uni6ersity, St. Andrews Street, Aberdeen, Scotland, AB25 1HG, UK
.
0039-9140/00/$ - see front matter © 2000 Elsevier Science B.V. All rights reserved. PII: S 0 0 3 9 - 9 1 4 0 ( 0 0 ) 0 0 3 5 8 - 1