My Enjoyment of Science

My Enjoyment of Science

Why are scientists excited by their work? Readers ought to share the joy, but it’s not easy because science is conducted in a foreign language. Well, the time has come for translation! An explanation, comprehensible by the generally educated reader, is given of how scientists think and why it matters for everyday life. There are too many books on speculative theories about the first billionth of a second after the big bang, multidimensional universes and other indigestible quantum conundrums. There is insufficient emphasis on how science and technology serve everyday life. We all use GPS, but sadly not everyone appreciates the incredible achievement it represents – the satellites are 36,000 kilometres away but give your position to an accuracy of a few metres. Of course the exotic research of today becomes the technology of tomorrow, and both are important, but this book explains neither quantum theory nor GPS. Instead it uses examples of the author’s own work – and play, very important in the development of the scientific mind – to illustrate themes of scientific beauty, economy and invention. It is a technological autobiography, a personal credo, and the author hopes you share his pleasure.