The marvellous complexity of the Universe emerges from several deep laws and a handful of fundamental constants that fix its shape, scale, and destiny. There is a deep structure to the world which at the same time is simple, elegant, and beautiful. Where did these laws and these constants come from? And why are the laws so fruitful when written in the language of mathematics?
Peter Atkins considers the minimum effort needed to equip the Universe with its laws and its constants. He explores the origin of the conservation of energy, of electromagnetism, of classical and quantum mechanics, and of thermodynamics, showing how all these laws spring from deep symmetries. The revolutionary result is a short but immensely rich weaving together of the fundamental ideas of physics. With his characteristic wit, erudition, and economy, Atkins sketches out how the laws of Nature
can spring from very little. Or arguably from nothing at all. It's rare to find a study of physical laws that is also a bravura display of rarefied humour and experiential depth; but such is this gem by chemist Peter Atkins. * Barbara Kiser, Nature * This short volume is essential reading for anyone who balks at the mention of Schroedinger, equations and cats included ... Atkins sweeps aside the mathematical mystique with his characteristic wit. * Zoe Hackett, Chemistry World * Atkins writes in a clear and humorous manner for the lay reader. Don't skip the notes at the end of the book. Some real gems are hidden there ... Recommended for undergraduates and general readers. * Choice * Atkins writes in a charming, even chummy way. He understands our confusion and leads us onwards with the promise of great insights: how the very laws of physics came to be ... Conjuring the Universe is a clear example of [Atkins's] extraordinary erudition and flair. * Robyn Williams, Australian Book Review * I enjoyed reading the book, not only for the main themes but also for several asides on history, etymology, and so on. * Phillip Helbig, Observatory Magazine * Touur de force ... this is a compact 168 pages that delivers splendidly on the question of where the natural laws came from. * Brian Clegg, Popular Science * With Conjuring the Universe, Atkins has gone where Douglas Adams and Deep Thought could not in a magical, logical, mystery tour of science's mathematical, philosophical bedrock. * Peter Wyndham, The Science Fact & Science Fiction Concatenation *
Conjuring the Universe: The Origins of the Laws of Nature
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