title: Mathematical Understanding of Nature: Essays on Amazing Physical Phenomena and Their Understanding by Mathematicians
author: V. I. Arnold
description: Arnold's talent for exposition shines in this collection of short chapters on a miscellany of topics. I could not stop reading until I reached the end of the book. This book will entertain and enrich any curious person, whether a layman or a specialist. --Mark Levi, Penn State University, author of 'The Mathematical Mechanic'<br /><br />This is a wonderful book for browsing, for anyone drawn to physical applications of mathematics or to Arnold himself and the breadth of his interests --Maa<br /><br />This book, which fits all mathematical ages, provides a glimpse into the 'laboratory' of one of the most influential mathematicians of our time. Its genre is absolutely unique. A kaleidoscope of intriguing examples illustrating applications of mathematics to real life, intertwines with entertaining and often wildly funny mathematical anecdotes, as well as with profound insights into modern research areas. A brilliant informal exposition, complemented by artful drawings by the author, makes the book a fascinating read. --Leonid Polterovich, Tel-Aviv University
zlib_text: SCIENCE AND HYPOTHESIS 
  
  SCIENCE 
  AND HYPOTHESIS 
  BY 
  H. POINCARE, 
  V” 
  MEMBER OF THE INSTITUTE OF FRANCE. 
  With a Preface by 
  J. LARMOR, D.Sc., Sec. R.S., 
  Lucasian Professor of Mathematics in the University of Cambridge. 
  DOVER PUBLICATIONS, INC 
  
  COPYRIGHT 1952 BY 
  DOVER PUBLICATIONS, INC. 
  New Dover edition is 
  an unabridged republication of 
  the first English translation. 
  Printed and Bound in the United States of America 
  
  CONTENTS. 
  PAGE 
  Translator’s Note.ix 
  Introduction.xi 
  Author’s Preface.xxi 
  PART I. 
  NUMBER AND MAGNITUDE. 
  CHAPTER I. 
  On the Nature of Mathematical Reasoning i 
  CHAPTER II. 
  Mathematical Magnitude and Experiment . 17 
  PART II. 
  SPACE. 
  CHAPTER III. 
  Non-Euclidean Geometries 35 
  
  VI 
  CONTENTS. 
  CHAPTER IV. 
  PAGE 
  Space and Geometry . • • • • 5T 
  CHAPTER V. 
  Experiment and Geometry . • • • 72 
  PART III. 
  FORCE. 
  CHAPTER VI. 
  The Classical Mechanics . . • • 8y 
  CHAPTER VII. 
  Relative and Absolute Motion . . 111 
  CHAPTER VIII. 
  Energy and Thermo-dynamics . - • 