The fascinating stories behind the essential seven units of measurement that allow us to understand the physical world

"Entertaining popular science and a literate tale of why things are as they are."--Kirkus Reviews

From the beginning of history, measurement has been interwoven into the human experience, shaping our understanding of nature, personal relationships, and the supernatural. We measure the world to know our past, comprehend the present, and plan the future.

Renowned physicist Piero Martin explores how scientific knowledge is built around seven key pillars of measurement: the meter for length; the second for time; the kilogram for mass; the kelvin for temperature; the ampere for electricity; the mole for quantity of substance; and the candela for luminous intensity. Martin examines the history and function of these units and illustrates their applications in rich vignettes on a range of topics--from quarks to black holes, from a glass of wine to space exploration. He delves into not only the all-important numbers but also anecdotes that underline each unit's special quality. At the same time, he explains how each unit contributes to important aspects of science, from classical physics to quantum mechanics, from relativity to chemistry, from cosmology to elementary particle physics, and from medicine to modern technology. Martin eloquently shows how the entire universe can be measured and understood using just seven units.

Author: Piero Martin
Binding Type: Hardcover
Publisher: Yale University Press
Published: 06/27/2023
Pages: 224
Weight: 0.87lbs
Size: 8.87h x 6.14w x 0.88d
ISBN: 9780300266276


Review Citation(s):
Kirkus Reviews 01/01/0001
Publishers Weekly 05/29/2023
Choice 04/01/2024

About the Author
Piero Martin is professor of experimental physics at the University of Padua and a science writer. He carries out research on thermonuclear fusion and is chief physicist of the international DTT fusion experiment. He lives in Venice, Italy. Gregory Conti has translated over twenty-five books of fiction, nonfiction, and poetry. He lives in Perugia, Italy.