A Matter of Degrees
A Matter of Degrees
Gino Segre
Charlie Munger
Charlie Munger recommended this book in the "Poor Charlie's Almanack" book.
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A Matter of Degrees

A Matter of Degrees: What Temperature Reveals about the Past and Future of Our Species, Planet, and Universe

Gino Segre
By
Gino Segre
4.0
26
ratings on Goodreads

In "A Matter of Degrees," Gino Segrè masterfully explores the intricate dance of temperature with the cosmos, revealing its pivotal role in the tapestry of existence. With the precision of a seasoned physicist and the eloquence of a storyteller, Segrè takes us on a journey from the inner workings of our bodies, where a steady 98.6° underscores the marvel of mammalian life, to the vastness of the cosmos, where the mysteries of superconductivity and the whispers of neutrinos from the sun hint at the fundamental forces at play in the birth and demise of solar systems. This book is not merely a discourse on the scientific concept of temperature but a window into how this seemingly simple measure is woven into the very fabric of matter and life. Segrè's narrative weaves together science, history, and imagination, presenting a compelling synthesis that illuminates the significance of temperature in understanding the natural world. From the geologic evidence that reveals the fiery origins of our planet to the quest for absolute zero—a realm where quantum mechanics holds sway and new states of matter await discovery—Segrè demonstrates how temperature is a key to unlocking mysteries both ancient and cutting-edge. "A Matter of Degrees" is an enlightening expedition that challenges our perceptions, showing us that temperature is far more than a number: it is a fundamental aspect of the universe that affects everything from the most minuscule particles to the grandest galaxies.

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Released
2002
1 Jan
Length
320
Pages

1

recommendations

recommendation

Charlie Munger recommended this book in the "Poor Charlie's Almanack" book.
Clausius summarized his application of entropy to thermodynamics in two dramatic phrases that had a big impact at the time. They were (1) First Law: The energy of the universe is constant, and (2) Second Law: The entropy of the universe tends to a maximum.
— Gino Segre, A Matter of Degrees

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