How to Write Mathematics This short booklet contains four essays about how to write mathematics
papers and books. The essays by Steenrod and Halmos, two prominent
figures of 20th century mathematics, stand out for their common sense,
depth and lucidity. They bring forth essential strategic issues, such
as the need to maintain a clear separation between the formal and
informal parts of mathematical papers, as well as useful tactical
issues such as choosing notation. In my opinion, the essays transcend
the field of mathematics, and the principles that they delineate are
applicable to all areas of scientific writing.
Long before Galileo published his discoveries about Jupiter, lunar
craters, and the Milky Way in the Starry Messenger in 1610, people were
fascinated with the planets and stars around them. That interest
continues today, and scientists are making new discoveries at an
astounding rate. Ancient lake beds on Mars, robotic spacecraft
missions, and new definitions of planets now dominate the news. How can
you take it all in? Start with the new Encyclopedia of the Solar
System, Second Edition.
Scientific American Mind, February/March 2007
Most people would say that finding love is a key to greater happiness, along with achievements like a bigger home, a better car, more money and fame. But research suggests none of these things is likely to increase bliss significantly. "Why It's So Hard to Be Happy," by psychologist Michael Wiederman, tells how ancient humans' perpetual search for a better life--historically, a survival advantage--can now leave us dissatisfied despite the comforts of today's world. One lesson is that "happy people tend to engage in activities that are challenging and absorbing"--such as reading articles in Scientific American Mind. Okay, I slipped in that last part. Happy now?
The purpose of this Outline is to serve as a supplement to a basic astronomy text.
Much of the material here is abbreviated, and students should use this book as a guide to the key concepts in modern astronomy, but not as an all-inclusive resource.
Topics covered range from planetary astronomy to cosmology, in the modern context. The first chapter covers most of the phsyics required to obtain a basic understanding of astronomical phenomena. The student will most likely come back to this chapter again and again as they progress through the book. The order of the topics has been set by the most common order of these topics in textbooks (near objects to far objects), but many of the chapters are quite independent, with few references to previous chapters, and may be studied out of order.
