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Peter W Atkins

Galileo's Finger

In Galileo's Finger: The 10 Great Ideas of Science Peter W Atkins devotes a chapter to each of Evolution, DNA, Energy, Entropy, Atoms, Symmetry, Quanta, Cosmology, Spacetime, and Arithmetic. The book is written so that the chapters can be read individually if desired. Each chapter takes a look at the historical development and describes of some of the important concepts of the subject. The book gives a wide view of each subject rather than reporting the latest results, but it does help the reader to get an understanding of some difficult concepts, such as String theory, General relativity and Gödel's incompleteness theorem.

I thought the chapter on Quanta didn't really come together - trying to give a simple explanation conflicted with trying to show why people have found quantum theory so mysterious. Also I felt that, at some points in the book, Atkins was tending towards a 'literary' style, which was a bit offputting. This wasn't excessive, however, and generally it is very readable, with plenty of helpful diagrams - clearly plenty of though has gone into putting this book together. No prior knowledge of the subjects is required, and I would recommend this book to anyone who wants to gain an understanding of the fundamental ideas in science.

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Paperback 400 pages
ISBN: 0198609418
Salesrank: 250419
Weight:0.62 lbs

Published: 2004 Oxford University Press, USA

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Amazon.co.uk info

Paperback 400 pages
ISBN: 0198609418
Salesrank: 49021
Weight:0.62 lbs

Published: 2004 OUP Oxford

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Paperback 400 pages
ISBN: 0198609418
Salesrank: 170668
Weight:0.62 lbs

Published: 2004 Oxford University Press

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Product Description
Why Galileo's finger? Galileo, one of whose fingers is preserved in a vessel displayed in Florence, provided much of the impetus for modern science, pointing the way out of medieval ignorance. In this brilliant account of the central ideas of contemporary science, Peter Atkins celebrates the effectiveness of Galileo's symbolic finger for revealing the nature of our universe, our world, and ourselves. Galileo's Finger takes the reader on an extraordinary journey that embraces the ten central ideas of current science. "By a great idea," writes Peter Atkins, "I mean a simple concept of great reach, an acorn of an idea that ramifies into a great oak tree of application, a spider of an idea that can spin a great web and draw in a feast of explanation and elucidation." With wit, charm, and patience, Atkins leads the reader to an understanding of the essence of the whole of science, from evolution and the emergence of complexity, to entropy, the spring of all change in the universe; from energy, the universalization of accountancy, to symmetry, the quantification of beauty; and from cosmology, the globalization of reality, to spacetime, the arena of all action. "My intention is for us to travel to the high ridges of science," Atkins tells us. "As the journey progresses and I lead you carefully to the summit of understanding, you will experience the deep joy of illumination that science alone provides." Galileo's Finger breaks new ground in communicating science to the general reader. Here are the essential ideas of today's science, explained in magical prose.

Product Description

Why Galileo's finger? Galileo, one of whose fingers is preserved in a vessel displayed in Florence, provided much of the impetus for modern science, pointing the way out of medieval ignorance. In this brilliant account of the central ideas of contemporary science, Peter Atkins celebrates the effectiveness of Galileo's symbolic finger for revealing the nature of our universe, our world, and ourselves.
Galileo's Finger takes the reader on an extraordinary journey that embraces the ten central ideas of current science. "By a great idea," writes Peter Atkins, "I mean a simple concept of great reach, an acorn of an idea that ramifies into a great oak tree of application, a spider of an idea that can spin a great web and draw in a feast of explanation and elucidation." With wit, charm, and patience, Atkins leads the reader to an understanding of the essence of the whole of science, from evolution and the emergence of complexity, to entropy, the spring of all change in the universe; from energy, the universalization of accountancy, to symmetry, the quantification of beauty; and from cosmology, the globalization of reality, to spacetime, the arena of all action.
"My intention is for us to travel to the high ridges of science," Atkins tells us. "As the journey progresses and I lead you carefully to the summit of understanding, you will experience the deep joy of illumination that science alone provides."
Galileo's Finger breaks new ground in communicating science to the general reader. Here are the essential ideas of today's science, explained in magical prose.

Very interesting book *****
A book for someone who is interested in the history and philosophy of science. As all the books written by Dr. Peter Atkins, this one is very interesting. Good as an element of motivation or subject to prepare a lecture.

Very interesting book *****

A book for someone who is interested in the history and philosophy of science. As all the books written by Dr. Peter Atkins, this one is very interesting. Good as an element of motivation or subject to prepare a lecture.

A microbiology student's perspective ****
This is an extremely well-written book on what the author feels are the best ideas ever in the history of science. Not only does Atkins describe the ideas in detail, he also explains the history of these ideas. Often times, his explanations are very clear and easy for non-scientists to understand. I highly recommend this book. I did not give the book 5 stars for the following reasons: 1) There is a mistake in regard to transcription and translation on p. 71. Atkins' expertise is in chemistry and physics, and that is certainly clear in the first two chapters (which deal with biology). They are not particularly well-written. 2) While, overall, Atkins is good at explaining things in simple terms, there are times when he isn't so great. In particular, Atkins has trouble relating complex ideas such as symmetry and quantization to the average person. I remember thinking to myself, "If I hadn't studied some of this in college, I would have no idea what he's talking about here." 3) Atkins occasionally tries to mix his personal philosophy with science. It is readily apparent that Atkins is an atheist, and he makes mention in the book that our universe is "insignificant." In addition, he refers to people who don't believe in evolution as "Simplicios." While that's fine for him to believe, I don't think either comment is appropriate. These comments make the author seem petty and, in the case of human significance, places him at odds with the vast majority of people. Religion/philosophy asks, "Why?" and science asks, "How?" The tools used to answer these questions are fundamentally different, and Atkins shouldn't draw philosophical conclusions from scientific observations. Overall, I highly recommend the book. It will certainly open your eyes to just how complex and beautiful our universe is.

A microbiology student's perspective ****

This is an extremely well-written book on what the author feels are the best ideas ever in the history of science. Not only does Atkins describe the ideas in detail, he also explains the history of these ideas. Often times, his explanations are very clear and easy for non-scientists to understand. I highly recommend this book.

I did not give the book 5 stars for the following reasons:

1) There is a mistake in regard to transcription and translation on p. 71. Atkins' expertise is in chemistry and physics, and that is certainly clear in the first two chapters (which deal with biology). They are not particularly well-written.

2) While, overall, Atkins is good at explaining things in simple terms, there are times when he isn't so great. In particular, Atkins has trouble relating complex ideas such as symmetry and quantization to the average person. I remember thinking to myself, "If I hadn't studied some of this in college, I would have no idea what he's talking about here."

3) Atkins occasionally tries to mix his personal philosophy with science. It is readily apparent that Atkins is an atheist, and he makes mention in the book that our universe is "insignificant." In addition, he refers to people who don't believe in evolution as "Simplicios." While that's fine for him to believe, I don't think either comment is appropriate. These comments make the author seem petty and, in the case of human significance, places him at odds with the vast majority of people. Religion/philosophy asks, "Why?" and science asks, "How?" The tools used to answer these questions are fundamentally different, and Atkins shouldn't draw philosophical conclusions from scientific observations.

Overall, I highly recommend the book. It will certainly open your eyes to just how complex and beautiful our universe is.

In fact Galileo's finger is at the Florence's Museum ... *****
To read about science is purifying in my case, helping me to understand this world and today's scientific investigation. Professor Atkins direct and entertaining prose introduce the reader to a fantastic voyage to some of the most interestings and intricates ideas of science, from the theory of evolution and DNA, to quantum theory and mathematical thought. Beware that this book is not as superficial as you might think, so there are parts of it that may be a little complicated. I enjoyed this book altogether, a fuel to read more on the subjects that I think I need more reading and helped me to discover a new subject I didn't have much idea, I am referring to the chapter of Symmetry and its implications on physics, perhaps for a better comprehension of the complex, full of particles, universe.

In fact Galileo's finger is at the Florence's Museum ... *****

To read about science is purifying in my case, helping me to understand this world and today's scientific investigation. Professor Atkins direct and entertaining prose introduce the reader to a fantastic voyage to some of the most interestings and intricates ideas of science, from the theory of evolution and DNA, to quantum theory and mathematical thought. Beware that this book is not as superficial as you might think, so there are parts of it that may be a little complicated. I enjoyed this book altogether, a fuel to read more on the subjects that I think I need more reading and helped me to discover a new subject I didn't have much idea, I am referring to the chapter of Symmetry and its implications on physics, perhaps for a better comprehension of the complex, full of particles, universe.

A great reference on the state of science! *****
I can seriously recommend this book to anyone who has an interest in science and wants to take part the next time the discussion at a party turns to quantum physics or DNA. If you are a faithful person this book might help you to understand why many scientist come to doubt a biblical God but find God's beauty in science. The most important point is that Atkins lables all ten subjects as 'IDEAS' and not as scientific facts. He has come to terms with the only fact: That we will never know for sure. Each one of us and this universe will remain an enigma for all times.

A great reference on the state of science! *****

I can seriously recommend this book to anyone who has an interest in science and wants to take part the next time the discussion at a party turns to quantum physics or DNA. If you are a faithful person this book might help you to understand why many scientist come to doubt a biblical God but find God's beauty in science.

The most important point is that Atkins lables all ten subjects as 'IDEAS' and not as scientific facts. He has come to terms with the only fact: That we will never know for sure. Each one of us and this universe will remain an enigma for all times.

Good Overview of Science ****
P.W.(Peter) Atkins is the author of the excellent textbook "Physical Chemistry", "Molecules", a general overview of nature's chemicals from the Scientific American Library, and the imaginative "Periodic Kingdom". In his latest popularization, "Galileo's Finger", Atkins outlines what he considers are the ten central ideas of science. Without bias, he only chooses two from his own area of expertise. The rest are from the realms of biology, physics and astronomy. Given that only two to three of the chapters are part of a high school curriculum, the book is essential reading for anyone who has not studied science past that point. His writing neither oversimplifies nor bores the reader, reminiscent of the way the late Stephen Jay Gould practised his craft. I love Atkins' definition of chemistry, " It is the bridge between the perceived world of substances and the imagined world of atoms."

Good Overview of Science ****

P.W.(Peter) Atkins is the author of the excellent textbook "Physical Chemistry", "Molecules", a general overview of nature's chemicals from the Scientific American Library, and the imaginative "Periodic Kingdom". In his latest popularization, "Galileo's Finger", Atkins outlines what he considers are the ten central ideas of science. Without bias, he only chooses two from his own area of expertise. The rest are from the realms of biology, physics and astronomy. Given that only two to three of the chapters are part of a high school curriculum, the book is essential reading for anyone who has not studied science past that point. His writing neither oversimplifies nor bores the reader, reminiscent of the way the late Stephen Jay Gould practised his craft. I love Atkins' definition of chemistry, " It is the bridge between the perceived world of substances and the imagined world of atoms."

Glimpses of wonderment *****
I can only surmise that the bulk of reviewers of this wonderful book are ersatz intellectuals - Galileo's Finger counts as one of the most exciting, lively and enlightening popular science books I have come across. Atkins writes with a fizz, vim and clarity that beguile you into complex spaces where startling ideas and deep insight ballet within your reach. The reviewer below is undoubtedly right - you damn well do need to be a bright student with an interest in science to appreciate this book. Go figure. If you tick the boxes, buy it. Only Pinker rivals Atkins in my view for acuity and penetration of the reserves of earthly knowledge.

Glimpses of wonderment *****

I can only surmise that the bulk of reviewers of this wonderful book are ersatz intellectuals - Galileo's Finger counts as one of the most exciting, lively and enlightening popular science books I have come across. Atkins writes with a fizz, vim and clarity that beguile you into complex spaces where startling ideas and deep insight ballet within your reach. The reviewer below is undoubtedly right - you damn well do need to be a bright student with an interest in science to appreciate this book. Go figure.

If you tick the boxes, buy it. Only Pinker rivals Atkins in my view for acuity and penetration of the reserves of earthly knowledge.

Pretty good ***
On amazon.com this book scores very highly, with all the reviews (with the exception of one repeated review) being 4 or 5 stars. This makes me think, maybe Americans could care less about the "tone" of the prose. I mean, come on! Someone is writing about the laws of quantum mechanics, which may well be fundamental to every physical phenomenon, and all you care about is the prose? Target audience is always a problem with popular science books and this is no exception. Not everything can be explained simply. The discussion of the interpretation of quantum mechanics is confused and confusing, but then, so is much of the relevant literature (I myself don't see what's wrong with "shut up and calculate"). The discussion of arithmetic is particularly confused, because it is never made clear (and I suspect the writer did not have it clear in his head either) exactly what is meant by "arithmetic". [In what follows I shall use the word Arithmetic to refer to common arithmetic, Peano arithmetic to refer to Peano arithmetic, and arithmetic to refer to Atkins' use of the word "arithmetic"]. Sometimes it seems like he means Arithmetic in the common sense, that is, the collection of statements about natural numbers that are true in the standard interpretation (a.k.a. number theory). But sometimes it seems like he means Peano arithmetic, which is a specific formal axiomatic system, a fragment of the former Arithmetic. These two things are not to be identified - there are number theoretical facts which are not a part of Peano arithmetic. This confusion doesn't really rear its head until the end of chapter 10, when Atkins concludes that the universe is made of arithmetic, so Godel's theorem applies to the universe, and the universe cannot prove itself consistent because arithmetic cannot prove itself consistent. If arithmetic here means Peano arithmetic, then it might make some sense. But there is no reason to think that all the mathematics that nature makes use of can be formalised in Peano arithmetic (this would exclude fairly elementary combinatorial statements, for one thing). If Atkins means by "arithmetic" the common Arithmetic, which I suspect he does, then what he wrote does not make sense. Godel's theorems do not apply to Arithmetic. In fact it is senseless to talk of the consistency of Arithmetic. One cannot define what Arithmetic is, so one cannot lay out a statement asserting the consistency of it.

Pretty good ***

On amazon.com this book scores very highly, with all the reviews (with the exception of one repeated review) being 4 or 5 stars. This makes me think, maybe Americans could care less about the "tone" of the prose. I mean, come on! Someone is writing about the laws of quantum mechanics, which may well be fundamental to every physical phenomenon, and all you care about is the prose?

Target audience is always a problem with popular science books and this is no exception. Not everything can be explained simply. The discussion of the interpretation of quantum mechanics is confused and confusing, but then, so is much of the relevant literature (I myself don't see what's wrong with "shut up and calculate").

The discussion of arithmetic is particularly confused, because it is never made clear (and I suspect the writer did not have it clear in his head either) exactly what is meant by "arithmetic". [In what follows I shall use the word Arithmetic to refer to common arithmetic, Peano arithmetic to refer to Peano arithmetic, and arithmetic to refer to Atkins' use of the word "arithmetic"].

Sometimes it seems like he means Arithmetic in the common sense, that is, the collection of statements about natural numbers that are true in the standard interpretation (a.k.a. number theory). But sometimes it seems like he means Peano arithmetic, which is a specific formal axiomatic system, a fragment of the former Arithmetic. These two things are not to be identified - there are number theoretical facts which are not a part of Peano arithmetic. This confusion doesn't really rear its head until the end of chapter 10, when Atkins concludes that the universe is made of arithmetic, so Godel's theorem applies to the universe, and the universe cannot prove itself consistent because arithmetic cannot prove itself consistent. If arithmetic here means Peano arithmetic, then it might make some sense. But there is no reason to think that all the mathematics that nature makes use of can be formalised in Peano arithmetic (this would exclude fairly elementary combinatorial statements, for one thing). If Atkins means by "arithmetic" the common Arithmetic, which I suspect he does, then what he wrote does not make sense. Godel's theorems do not apply to Arithmetic. In fact it is senseless to talk of the consistency of Arithmetic. One cannot define what Arithmetic is, so one cannot lay out a statement asserting the consistency of it.

Dangerously inept *
Atkins may be a good chemist, but this book does a disservice to the world of science in general and physics in particular. It is poorly written, ponderous and pompous in its style, obtuse in its explanations of relatively straightforward concepts, and would possibly maim a young person attracted by its catchy title and promise of a broad understanding of important scientific ideas before embarking on a serious scientific career. I wasted money and time on this book, but I do wish it could be withdrawn, or at least restricted to those who have lost the will to imagine.....

Dangerously inept *

Atkins may be a good chemist, but this book does a disservice to the world of science in general and physics in particular. It is poorly written, ponderous and pompous in its style, obtuse in its explanations of relatively straightforward concepts, and would possibly maim a young person attracted by its catchy title and promise of a broad understanding of important scientific ideas before embarking on a serious scientific career.
I wasted money and time on this book, but I do wish it could be withdrawn, or at least restricted to those who have lost the will to imagine.....

Emm......no *
Galileo's Finger - it's all thumbs. I don't disagree that these may be ten of the greatest ideas of science, it's just the way they're presented. Overly cumbersome and awkward style of writing leave you bored and re-reading the same page as you've drifted off. After a while you can't be bothered trying to understand exactly what it is the author is trying to explain. Given the amazing reviews on the cover of this book, I found it a huge disappointment. Science explained easily - I don't think so - as someone who has a scientific background, I could only wonder what someone who hadn't would make of this.

Emm......no *

Galileo's Finger - it's all thumbs. I don't disagree that these may be ten of the greatest ideas of science, it's just the way they're presented. Overly cumbersome and awkward style of writing leave you bored and re-reading the same page as you've drifted off. After a while you can't be bothered trying to understand exactly what it is the author is trying to explain. Given the amazing reviews on the cover of this book, I found it a huge disappointment. Science explained easily - I don't think so - as someone who has a scientific background, I could only wonder what someone who hadn't would make of this.

Panoramic view of modern science *****
This captivating book deals with the ability of the scientific method to explain the wondrous nature of the universe. The author's elegant style, clear explanations and understated humour ensure an engaging read. Atkins has chosen 10 simple concepts of great import that manifest into a giant tree of application. With its patient explanations, it is an excellent guide for the lay reader to become literate in modern sciene. The major insights of modern science discussed here are evolution, DNA, energy, entropy, atoms, symmetry, quanta, cosmology, spacetime and arithmetic. The book includes black and white photographs and illustrations, a bibliography arranged by chapter and an index. Galileo's Finger is the perfect guide for those who wish to understand science more clearly.

Panoramic view of modern science *****

This captivating book deals with the ability of the scientific method to explain the wondrous nature of the universe. The author's elegant style, clear explanations and understated humour ensure an engaging read. Atkins has chosen 10 simple concepts of great import that manifest into a giant tree of application. With its patient explanations, it is an excellent guide for the lay reader to become literate in modern sciene. The major insights of modern science discussed here are evolution, DNA, energy, entropy, atoms, symmetry, quanta, cosmology, spacetime and arithmetic. The book includes black and white photographs and illustrations, a bibliography arranged by chapter and an index. Galileo's Finger is the perfect guide for those who wish to understand science more clearly.

Hard going in places ***
Some of the press reviews suggest that this is for the general reader. However, even with a degree in Science, I found some the explanations quite hard-going, and I think the general reader might be disappointed or frustrated, hence why I give it 3 rather than 4 stars.

Hard going in places ***

Some of the press reviews suggest that this is for the general reader. However, even with a degree in Science, I found some the explanations quite hard-going, and I think the general reader might be disappointed or frustrated, hence why I give it 3 rather than 4 stars.

Galileo's Finger: The 10 Great Ideas of Science *****
Galileo's Finger: The Ten Great Ideas of Science written by Peter Atkins is an excellently written book that gets to the heart of science ideas. "Galileo's Finger" takes us on a journey through the sciences on a broader context and embraces the ten central ideas of current science. There are ten chapters taking us on a challenging but ultimately deeply satisfying journey. Science is the apotheosis of the spirit of the renaissance, an extraordinary monument to the human spirit and the power of comprehension of the puny human brain. This book is highly readable and the author makes the subject matter intelligable to the modest reader, making for an understanding of complex subject matter. The chapters are as follows: Evolution: The Emergence of Complexity DNA: The Rationalization of Biology Energy: The Universalization of Accountancy Entropy: The Spring of Change Atoms: The Reduction of Matter Symmetry: The Quantification of Beauty Quanta: The Simplification of Understanding Cosmology: The Globalization of Reality Spacetime: The Arena of Action Arithmetic: The Limits of Reason There is an epilogue for the future of understanding. The author has written the chapters in a way that you can either read them in order or read them out of order as they are free standing subjects. But, I found that that I could skim read the book and later reread in depth the subjects that piqued my interest. This is an excellent book to be used as a introduction to scientific concepts and puts the reader into a logical approach to the scientific concepts, as you read on you'll find that you'll arrive at an emergence of understanding. This book is written well and the author uses the English language to describe concepts in a way that opens our minds through our eyes of the ways of deep science. Galileo's Finger is a solid 5 star introduction to scientific concepts written in a manor to educate the reader. This book deserves a good read and a place on your bookshelf.

Galileo's Finger: The 10 Great Ideas of Science *****

Galileo's Finger: The Ten Great Ideas of Science written by Peter Atkins is an excellently written book that gets to the heart of science ideas. "Galileo's Finger" takes us on a journey through the sciences on a broader context and embraces the ten central ideas of current science.

There are ten chapters taking us on a challenging but ultimately deeply satisfying journey. Science is the apotheosis of the spirit of the renaissance, an extraordinary monument to the human spirit and the power of comprehension of the puny human brain. This book is highly readable and the author makes the subject matter intelligable to the modest reader, making for an understanding of complex subject matter.

The chapters are as follows:

Evolution: The Emergence of Complexity
DNA: The Rationalization of Biology
Energy: The Universalization of Accountancy
Entropy: The Spring of Change
Atoms: The Reduction of Matter
Symmetry: The Quantification of Beauty
Quanta: The Simplification of Understanding
Cosmology: The Globalization of Reality
Spacetime: The Arena of Action
Arithmetic: The Limits of Reason

There is an epilogue for the future of understanding. The author has written the chapters in a way that you can either read them in order or read them out of order as they are free standing subjects. But, I found that that I could skim read the book and later reread in depth the subjects that piqued my interest.

This is an excellent book to be used as a introduction to scientific concepts and puts the reader into a logical approach to the scientific concepts, as you read on you'll find that you'll arrive at an emergence of understanding. This book is written well and the author uses the English language to describe concepts in a way that opens our minds through our eyes of the ways of deep science.

Galileo's Finger is a solid 5 star introduction to scientific concepts written in a manor to educate the reader. This book deserves a good read and a place on your bookshelf.

Superb Book *****
The author has written the best book of its kind I have ever read - and I've read more than a few! The layout is excellent, the production leaves nothing to be desired, and the prose is both illuminating and charming. If you are looking for a book that will both stimulate and enthrall - you won't go wrong with this one.

Superb Book *****

The author has written the best book of its kind I have ever read - and I've read more than a few! The layout is excellent, the production leaves nothing to be desired, and the prose is both illuminating and charming. If you are looking for a book that will both stimulate and enthrall - you won't go wrong with this one.