The Measure Of All Things by Ken Alder
The Seven-Year Odyssey and Hidden Error That Transformed the World
Set against the backdrop of the French Revolution, this historical narrative delves into the ambitious quest to establish the metric system, a universal standard of measurement. The story follows two astronomers, Jean-Baptiste Delambre and Pierre Méchain, as they embark on a perilous expedition across France to measure the meridian arc from Dunkirk to Barcelona. Their journey is fraught with political turmoil, personal challenges, and scientific dilemmas, revealing the human struggles behind a seemingly straightforward scientific endeavor. The narrative explores themes of precision, error, and the relentless pursuit of knowledge, highlighting the profound impact of their work on modern science and society.
- Published
- 2001
- Nationality
- American
- Length
- Moderate
- Pages
- 400-450
- Original Language
- English
- Avg User Rating
-
(3.0)
- Alternate Titles
- None
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