Frugal Universe: Forms and Shapes of Nature

Author: Stefan Hildebrandt
Publisher:
Publish Date: 2004-02-01
Features: In The Frugal Universe, Stefan Hildebrandt and Anthony Tromba guide readers in exploring the mathematical foundations of various shapes and forms in nature. From ancient times to the nuclear age, the book provides hundreds of pieces of evidence to support the idea that the material world adheres to the economic principle of method—meaning: nature achieves effective results through frugal means of energy consumption. Nearly every page features historical discussions, intricately illustrated diagrams, and vivid examples: from atomic nuclei to soap bubbles, spirals, and fractals. Hildebrandt and Tromba avoid technical jargon, yet open a path for non-specialist readers into scientific exploration, demonstrating the wonders that mathematics reveals when applied to the study of nature.