Mathematics and the Physical World (Dover books explaining science) [Paperback]

Morris Kline (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: March 1, 1981 | Series: Dover books explaining science

Stimulating account of development of mathematics from arithmetic, algebra, geometry and trigonometry, to calculus, differential equations and non-Euclidean geometries. Also describes how math is used in optics, astronomy, motion under the law of gravitation, acoustics, electromagnetism, other phenomena. 147 illustrations.

Product Details

• Paperback: 496 pages
• Publisher: Dover Publications (March 1, 1981)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0486241041
• ISBN-13: 978-0486241043
• Product Dimensions: 8.2 x 5.6 x 0.9 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.2 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.5 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (10 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #90,405 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

87 of 87 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Still the BEST basic review of Applied Mathematics.., January 24, 2001

By 

Kersi Von Zerububbel "Kersi" (San Diego, CA USA) - See all my reviews
(VINE VOICE)   

This review is from: Mathematics and the Physical World (Dover books explaining science) (Paperback)

This book is geared to the general reader who has a cursory knowledge of mathematics. The chapters are organized around physical phenomena and the math behind their explanation. The result is a charming and VERY useful book. I have the 1970 edition which is quite worn from frequent use. The chapter titled, Differential Equations - The Heart Of Analysis, is exceptionally beautiful and pertinent. Reading this book is akin to a treasure hunt. There is page after page of mathematical discovery. Reading the chapter on Motion Of Projectiles made me terribly angry at the banal way in which this topic is handled in high school texts. Things such as quadratic equations and the law of gravitation are explained very well. I sincerely believe that this book should be a required text for High School math students. Highly recommended. The Dover edition is very affordable so even if it means foregoing a meal, do it. Buy this book! Well worth your time.

42 of 42 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars A Tasty Mix of Math and History, May 12, 2000

By 

Peter A. Farrell (San Mateo, CA USA) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Mathematics and the Physical World (Dover books explaining science) (Paperback)

Kline's book is a surprisingly accessible history of math, equations and all. It's a perfect balance for those who know their history and want to know more about the math behind scientific ideas, and those who know their math and want to delve into the practical applications of mathematical ideas.

I loved the examination of how Eratosthenes calculated the circumference of the earth pretty accurately for a guy without so much as a telescope. I had terrific "aha" experiences reading the book, and the students I tutor in math are getting a bunch of interesting background stories with their algebra lessons.

Galileo's and Newton's calculations are a great way for the theoretically inclined to get their feet wet in physics. For all of us mathematicians who actually thought math developed in a vacuum, this book has excellent examples of how inextricably linked math, science and history are.

20 of 20 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars I wish this had been my physics textbook ..., March 23, 2007

By 

CubeBoy (Los Angeles CA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Mathematics and the Physical World (Dover books explaining science) (Paperback)

I still have a hard time deciding if this is a book about math or physics, but actually, it's about both. Kline follows the history of physics beginning with the Greeks as a way to describe the evolution of mathematics up to the 20th century, and he does it brilliantly.

Kline is a master teacher, and his enthusiasm for his subject is evident. This is probably the clearest writing on mathematics (and physics) that I have ever seen. His chapters on the differential and integral calculus make their basic principles understandable to anyone with a high-school mathematics education -- not an easy task.

He shows how again and again through history, problems in physics led to mathematical discoveries which not only allowed the physical problems to be solved, but also advanced mathematics itself. And yet nowhere in the book is anything beyond simple algebra and geometry required to understand what he's saying. A remarkable achievement.