The Story of Measurement

£19.95
£19.95

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An illustrated history of measurement, from the earliest times to the digital world of today

Anyone interested in the role of science in everyday life will find in this marvellous book accessible, intelligent, visual and often entertaining answers to the questions we all ask about how we measure ourselves, or planet and the Universe.

Part fascinating history, part cutting-edge science, it explores everything measurable, from temperature, earthquakes and radioactivity to music, blood and social attitudes, as well as the origins of the metric system in the French Revolution.
Extent: 224 pp
Format: Hardback
Illustrations: 334
Publication date: 2007-10-15
Size: 25.4 x 19.2 cm
ISBN: 9780500513675
Introduction • I. The Meaning of Measurement – 1. Surveying Creation 2. Number and Mathematics 3. Customary Units 4. Instruments and Techniques • II. Measuring Nature – 5. Atoms 6. Earth 7. Universe III. Measuring Man – 8. Mind 9. Body 10. Society 11. The Measure of All Things

Press Reviews

Covers not merely the obvious elements that we record, but also the more intriguing … crammed with illustrations
Financial Times Magazine

Makes a good reference text but can easily be read cover to cover
Physics World

Sumptuous, a sensual pleasure to look at and look into … intelligently written and always rewarding to dip into
Geomatics World


About the Author

Andrew Robinson is the author of twenty-five books in the arts and sciences, nine of them on aspects of Indian history and culture. They include two definitive biographies: Satyajit Ray: The Inner Eye, described by V. S. Naipaul as ?an extraordinarily good, detailed and selfless book?, and the coauthored Rabindranath Tagore: The Myriad-Minded Man. He holds degrees from Oxford University and the School of Oriental and African Studies, London, has been a Visiting Fellow of Wolfson College, Cambridge, and is currently a Fellow of the Royal Asiatic Society.

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