E-Book Overview
To understand the history, accomplishments, failures, and meanings of astronomy requires a knowledge of what has been said about astronomy by philosophers, novelists, playwrights, poets, scientists, and laymen. With this in mind, Astronomically Speaking: A Dictionary of Quotations on Astronomy and Physics serves as a guide to what has been said about astronomy through the ages. Containing approximately 1,550 quotations and numerous illustrations, this resource is the largest compilation of astronomy and astrophysics quotations published to date. Devoted to astronomy and the closely related areas of mathematics and physics, this resource helps form an accurate picture of these interconnected disciplines. It is designed as an aid for general readers with little knowledge of astronomy who are interested in astronomical topics. Students can use the book to increase their understanding of the complexity and richness that exists in scientific disciplines. In addition, experienced scientists will find it as a handy source of quotes for use in the classroom, in papers, and in presentations. A quick glance through the table of contents illustrates the variety of topics discussed. Readers can quickly and easily access the wit and wisdom of several hundred scientists, writers, philosophers, poets, and academics using the comprehensive indexes.
E-Book Content
Astronomically Speaking A Dictionary of Quotations on Astronomy and Physics
About the Compilers Carl C. Gaither was born in 1944 in San Antonio, Texas. He has conducted research work for the Texas Department of Corrections and for the Louisiana Department of Corrections. Additionally he worked as an Operations Research Analyst for ten years. He received his undergraduate degree (Psychology) from the University of Hawaii and has graduate degrees from McNeese State University (Psychology), North East Louisiana University (C