The Pleasures of Counting [Paperback]

If you have ever wondered what it is that mathematicians do, and how they go about it, then read this.Ranging from the design of anchors and the Battle of the Atlantic to the outbreak of cholera in Victorian Soho, this text describes a variety of lively topics that continue to intrigue professional mathematicians. Relatively simple terms and ideas are used.Ranging from the design of anchors and the Battle of the Atlantic to the outbreak of cholera in Victorian Soho, this text describes a variety of lively topics that continue to intrigue professional mathematicians. Relatively simple terms and ideas are used.In this engaging and readable book, Dr. Körner describes a variety of lively topics that continue to intrigue professional mathematicians. The topics range from the design of anchors and the Battle of the Atlantic to the outbreak of cholera in Victorian Soho. The author uses relatively simple terms and ideas, yet explains difficulties and avoids condescension. If you are a mathematician who wants to explain to others how you spend your working days, then seek inspiration here. This book will appeal to everyone interested in the uses of mathematics.Preface; Part I. The Uses of Abstraction: 1. Unfeeling statistics; 2. Prelude to a battle; 3. Blackett; 4. Aircraft versus submarine; Part II. Meditations on Measurement: 5. Biology in a darkened room; 6. Physics in a darkened room; 7. Subtle is the Lord; 8. A Quaker mathematician; 9. Richardson on war; Part III. The Pleasures of Computation: 10. Some classic algorithms; 11. Some modern algorithms; 12. Deeper matters; 13. Enigma; 14. The Poles; 15. Bletchley; 16. Echoes; Part IV. The Pleasures of Thought: 17. Time and chance; 18. Two mathematics lessons; 19. Last thoughts; Appendix A. Further reading; Appendix B. Sources; Appendix C. Some notations; Bibliography; Index. Körner provides interesting insights to the solving of Enigma messages and cryptology generally, and to other fascinating non-cryptolls