title: Quantum Fuzz: The Strange True Makeup of Everything Around Us
author:  Michael S. Walker 
description: Well-written and easy to read.<i> <i>Quantum Fuzz</i> </i>is an excellent introduction for anyone reading about physics for the first time, and also a good review for physics students. Very comprehensive and enjoyable. Highly recommended.<br /><br /> Barry Parker, author o<i>f <i>The Physics of War</i><br /> <br /> <i>Quantum Fuzz</i></i> is an engaging book that ventures way beyond what the title implies. As promised, Walker explains quantum mechanics to a general audience by way of analogies, a difficult task that he accomplishes smoothly. But he doesnt stop there. Astronomy, computers, physics, and some aspects of modern technology from his professional engineering experience are addressed with clear, precise explanations. As a bonus, chemistry and the periodic table have the most cogent exposition I have ever seen, especially since it is viewed from a physics standpoint. This is a welcome addition to any thoughtful persons library.<br /><br /> Arthur W. Wiggins, Physics Professor Emeritus at Oakland Community College and coauthor of<i> <i>The Human Side of Science</i><br /> <br /> </i>"Walker brings to life one of the most strange, fascinating, and beautiful descriptions of our physical world. . . . Human beings and things here on Earth are all made of atoms. Yet most people know nothing of their diffuse, fascinating symmetries, and how these forms determine much of the properties of our universe. This book is an opportunity to 'come on board and sail to new lands of understanding.'"<br /><br />David Toback, author of<i>Big Bang, Black Holes, No Math</i><br /><br />A good introduction for the general reader to the theory and applications of quantum mechanics. It includes one of the best descriptions of the history of the discovery of quantum mechanics that I have seen.<br /><br /> Fred Kuttner, PhD, coauthor of<i> <i>Quantum Enigma: Physics Encounters Consciousness</i><br /> <br /> </i>Guided by Walkers careful, clear, and comfortable writing, you will discover a new way of understanding matter, energy, and the universe as a whole.<br /><br /> Alfred Fred B. Bortz, PhD, author, and winner of the American Institute of Physics Science Writing Award<i><br /></i>
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  ## [ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS](contents.htm#ch3)
  
  
  Mrs Mary Ashall and Patrick Ashall
  
  
  David Blackwell and Diana Barbour
  
  
  George D. Carroll
  
  
  Henry Lavington and Peter Lavington
  
  
  Cyril T. Meager and Tom Meager
  
  
  Maurice Turner
  
  
  
  
  
  Frederick Galea, Hon. Secretary, National War Museum Association, Malta
  
  
  John Mizzi, Editor, Malta at War magazine
  
  
  Margaret Magnuson, former Librarian, Royal Engineers Library
  
  
  Joseph Camilleri, Mosta
  
  
  Antony Spiteri, Mosta
  
  
  John Firman
  
  
  Jane Elder
  
  
  Chris How, Original Artists
  
  
  Dan Willis
  
  
  
  
  
  My thoughts were a little incoherent. Suppose this fuze turned out to be a
  modified pattern? Suppose it contained a booby-trap? All sorts of possible
  reasons for disaster chased through my mind. But in fact there was nothing to
  do but follow the directions I had learnt …
  
  
  I now had twenty-five minutes to wait for the condensers to discharge. For
  that interval I could leave the bomb and the s