Everything's Relative : And Other Fables from Science and Technology

Rothman, Tony

ISBN 10: 0471202576 / ISBN 13: 9780471202578

Published by Wiley, USA, 2003

About this Item

Some wonderful science anecdotes and the usually more sober reality behind them. pp.xvi.272. DW in archival sleeve.

Seller Inventory # 008395

Bibliographic Details

• Title: Everything's Relative : And Other Fables from Science and Technology
• Publisher: Wiley, USA
• Publication Date: 2003
• Language: English
• ISBN 10: 0471202576
• ISBN 13: 9780471202578
• Binding: Cloth
• Condition: As New
• Dust Jacket Condition: As New
• Seller catalogs:
  • 420 Side Ck

About this title

Synopsis

The surprising truth behind many of the most cherished "facts" in science history

Morse invented the telegraph, Bell the telephone, Edison the light bulb, and Marconi the radio . . . right? Well . . . the truth is slightly more complicated. The history of science and technology is riddled with apocrypha, inaccuracies, and falsehoods, and physicist Tony Rothman has taken it upon himself to throw a monkey wrench into the works.

Combining a storyteller's gifts with a scientist's focus and hardheaded devotion to the facts—such as they may be—Rothman breaks down many of the most famous "just-so" stories of physics, astronomy, chemistry, biology, and technology to give credit where credit is truly due. From Einstein's possible misunderstanding of his own theories to actress Hedy Lemarr's role in the invention of the radio-controlled torpedo, he dredges his way through the legends of science history in relating the fascinating stories behind some of the most important, and often unsung, breakthroughs in science.

About the Author

TONY ROTHMAN is a physicist and writer. He is the author of seven other critically acclaimed science books and a frequent contributor to leading science publications, including Scientific American and Discover.