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The quantum universe
Journal of Molecular Strzwture (Theo&m),
180 (1988) 391-392 Elsevier Science Publishers B.V., Amsterdam - Printed in The Netherlands
391
Book reviews The Quantum Universe by Tony Hey and Patrick Walters, Cambridge University Press, Cambridge, 1987, pp. 180, price g27.50 (hard cover), $9.95 (paperback) This book attempts to present the core ideas of quantum mechanics and to give some indication of how quantum mechanics have been so successful in a large number of very different fields. The diversity of topics covered can be understood by listing some of the major fields mentioned: these include atoms and nuclei, the death of a star, and quantum co-operation and super-fluids. Recognising that the mathematics involved in understanding quantum mechanics is too big an obstacle for the general reader, even scientists, the authors have made a valiant attempt to explain the whole of quantum physics without recourse to mathematics or equations. In their attempt they provide some interesting ideas concerned with the fact that particles can behave as if they have a wave-like character and once this fundamental truth has been grasped, then their treatment emphasizes that much of quantum mechanics becomes obvious. They base their explanations on simple examples of wave motions in simple models, such as waves in a string and water waves. In addition to this basic aim, this book provides an excellent defence of basic science which is so much under attack from politicians who remain, particularly at the higher levels, completely ignorant of the concepts and impact of basic research on our modern way of life. Modern industry is built on a strong foundation of basic research which is carried out in some cases for 50 to 100 years before the first factory is built. To those who have worked in technological institutions, it is blatantly obvious that research in the applied topics leads to better and more efficient models but that this is predicated by basic research. However well written, books seldom entirely fulfil the hopes of their authors but this volume is an exception. Written by enthusiasts, it should provide a wide audience with some stimulating ideas concerned with the power of quantum mechanics and make clear how the new “high technologies” only came about because of basic research. How unfortunate, therefore, it is to realise that in all probability this book will not be read by politicians or arts trained madarins in any great numbers. J.W.T. Graph Theory and Topology in Chemistry, edited by R.B. King and D.H. Rouvray, Elsevier Science Publishers, Amsterdam and New York, 1987, pp. 575, price U.S. $183.
180 (1988) 391-392 Elsevier Science Publishers B.V., Amsterdam - Printed in The Netherlands
391
Book reviews The Quantum Universe by Tony Hey and Patrick Walters, Cambridge University Press, Cambridge, 1987, pp. 180, price g27.50 (hard cover), $9.95 (paperback) This book attempts to present the core ideas of quantum mechanics and to give some indication of how quantum mechanics have been so successful in a large number of very different fields. The diversity of topics covered can be understood by listing some of the major fields mentioned: these include atoms and nuclei, the death of a star, and quantum co-operation and super-fluids. Recognising that the mathematics involved in understanding quantum mechanics is too big an obstacle for the general reader, even scientists, the authors have made a valiant attempt to explain the whole of quantum physics without recourse to mathematics or equations. In their attempt they provide some interesting ideas concerned with the fact that particles can behave as if they have a wave-like character and once this fundamental truth has been grasped, then their treatment emphasizes that much of quantum mechanics becomes obvious. They base their explanations on simple examples of wave motions in simple models, such as waves in a string and water waves. In addition to this basic aim, this book provides an excellent defence of basic science which is so much under attack from politicians who remain, particularly at the higher levels, completely ignorant of the concepts and impact of basic research on our modern way of life. Modern industry is built on a strong foundation of basic research which is carried out in some cases for 50 to 100 years before the first factory is built. To those who have worked in technological institutions, it is blatantly obvious that research in the applied topics leads to better and more efficient models but that this is predicated by basic research. However well written, books seldom entirely fulfil the hopes of their authors but this volume is an exception. Written by enthusiasts, it should provide a wide audience with some stimulating ideas concerned with the power of quantum mechanics and make clear how the new “high technologies” only came about because of basic research. How unfortunate, therefore, it is to realise that in all probability this book will not be read by politicians or arts trained madarins in any great numbers. J.W.T. Graph Theory and Topology in Chemistry, edited by R.B. King and D.H. Rouvray, Elsevier Science Publishers, Amsterdam and New York, 1987, pp. 575, price U.S. $183.