This “enjoyable” biography of the brilliant astronomer will intrigue young people who are “bored with the textbook approach to science” (The New York Times Book Review). Sixteenth century Italy produced Galileo, a genius who marked the world with his studies and hypotheses about mathematical, physical, and astronomical truths. His father, musician Vincenzio Galilei said, “Truth is not found behind a man’s reputation. Truth appears only when the answers to questions are searched out by a free mind. This is not the easy path in life but it is the most rewarding.” Galileo challenged divine law and the physics of Aristotle, and questioned everything in search of truths. And it was through this quest for truth that he was able to establish a structure for modern science.

A biography of the 16th-century mathematician, physicist, and astronomer who dared to question the scientific theories set up by Aristotle and the Church.

Martin Gardner's Mathematical Games columns in Scientific American inspired and entertained several generations of mathematicians and scientists. Gardner in his crystal-clear prose illuminated corners of mathematics, especially recreational mathematics, that most people had no idea existed. His playful spirit and inquisitive nature invite the reader into an exploration of beautiful mathematical ideas along with him. These columns were both a revelation and a gift when he wrote them; no one--before Gardner--had written about mathematics like this. They continue to be a marvel. This volume is a collection of Irving Joshua Matrix columns published in the magazine from 1960-1980. There were several collections of Dr. Matrix, the first in 1967; they were revised as Gardner reconnected with the good doctor over the years. This is the 1985 Prometheus Books edition and contains all the Dr. Matrix columns from the magazine.

Numerical curiosities ranging from coincidences and the first moon walk, to proposition bets involving dice and cards.

Superb, stimulating account of origins of mathematical thought and development of numerical theory. Probes the work of Pythagoras, Galileo, Berkeley, Einstein, and others, exploring influence of "number magic" on religion, philosophy, science, mathematics.

Reproducible and challenging literature-based activities