Tales of Mathematicians and Physicists (2007)

This revised and greatly expanded second edition contains a wealth of new information about the lives and accomplishments of key scientists throughout five centuries of history: from the first steps in algebra up to new achievements in geometry in connection with physics. The heroes of the book are renowned figures from early eras, such as Cardano, Galileo, Huygens, Leibniz, Pascal, Euler, Lagrange, and Laplace, as well some scientists of last century: Klein, Poincaré, and Ramanujan. The volume provides biographical glimpses of scientists and their contributions in the context of the social and political background of their times. It examines many original sources, from the scientists' research papers to their personal documents and letters; furthermore, detailed mathematical arguments and diagrams are supplied to help explain some of the most significant discoveries. Lovers of science will not want to miss this story of remarkable intellectuals and their scientific legacy.