The History of Physics

Rooney, Anne. The History of Physics. Part of the History of Science series. 2013. 208p. ISBN 978-1-448-7229-9. Available at 530.09 ROO on the library shelves.

Physics defined as the science that explains how the mechanics of the world operate. It describes the smallest fundamental pieces of matter and how they interact together to create objects. It shows how gravity affects objects on Earth and in space. It explores space and time. In essence, physics provide our understanding of the world we live in.

But physics itself is a science that has evolved over the last 3,000 years, from the early musings of Greek and Chinese philosophers to the builders of particle accelerators. The History of Physics presents the history of how scientific discoveries and advancements in such disparate fields as optics, fluid mechanics, and atomic structures have influenced each other and spurred on further inventions. Far from being boring, the history of the people who blazed a trail in our understanding of the universe is riveting and features accidental discoveries, jealousy, murder, and the odd excommunication from the Catholic Church.

Written in understandable language with lots of illustrations and asides, The History of Physics feature a ton of information and provides a comprehensive look at the science itself, without headaches or teeth gnashing. Fans of history should not pass up this opportunity to learn more about physics and about the people that have allowed science to create smartphones and space exploration.