Beyond measure : the hidden history of measurement
Vincent, James2022
Books
We measure rainfall and radiation, the depths of space and the emptiness of atoms, calories and steps, happiness and fear. If we could not measure then we could not observe the world around us; we could not experiment, learn, and co-operate. But why did this urge to measure flourish? And when did measurement become ubiquitous? It is an incredible story that spans hunter-gatherer societies to ancient Egyptians, the French Revolution to the relentless quantification of the 21st century self. It is a tale that tracks humanity's search for dependable truths in a chaotic universe. Full of mavericks and visionaries, adventure and breakthroughs, 'Beyond Measure' shows that measurement has not only made the world we live in, it has made us too.
Main title:
Beyond measure : the hidden history of measurement / James Vincent.
Author:
Vincent, James, author
Imprint:
London : Faber & Faber, 2022.
Collation:
416 pages ; 24 cm
ISBN:
9780571354214 (hbk. :)
Dewey class:
530.809530.809 VINC530.809 VIN
Language:
English
BRN:
1185689