In Search of Schrodinger's Cat: Quantum Physics and Reality

by John Gribbin

Book Overview

Quantum theory is so shocking that Einstein could not bring himself to accept it. It is so important that it provides the fundamental underpinning of all modern sciences. Without it, we'd have no nuclear power or nuclear weapons, no TV, no computers, no science of molecular biology, no understanding of DNA, no genetic engineering. In Search of Schrodinger's Cat tells the complete story of quantum mechanics, a truth stranger than any fiction. John...

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0553342533
• ISBN13: 9780553342536
• Release Date: August 1984
• Publisher: Bantam
• Length: 302 Pages
• Weight: 0.69 lbs.
• Dimensions: 1.0" x 5.3" x 8.3"

Customer Reviews

Quantum Mechanics in a palatable form.

John Gribban wrote this in a long rantish form. Though it breaks down the science beautifully.

A must read

It's hard to overstate the importance of this book. It's also hard to overstate the value. John Gribbin has written one of those timeless books that belongs to the ages. Despite the fact that it's decades out of date, it's still current. Despite the fact that much has been discovered about the field of quantum physics since he wrote this book, nothing in it has been superseded. And yet, it's so clear that "Cat" is one of those books that those of us who write about science and technology as a profession use as a touchstone - a book that we compare our own writing against - and find wanting.My original copy of this book is so worn from reading that it must be replaced. Both of my daughters read this book, and became physicists or are about to. This is a book so important, and so readable, that it helps define its category. This is more than a good read. It's a necessary read.

Quantum Physics and Reality? Schrodinger's Cat is a must!

In Search of Schrodinger's Cat is an incredible piece of work. Gribbin thoroughly explains quantum theory through documenting historical break-throughs in "classic" Newtonian Theory, up until, and well into, the discoveries of what quantum physics was and is. As you explore through scientific discoveries, whether intentional or accidental, Gribbin has the ability to explain, step-by-step, what individuals in the science world did to accomplish,what is now, quantum physics. Each section is broken down and explained in scientific terms, and then reitterated in terms so that even a monkey could understand it. Everyone should read this book, including monkeys! And the cat paradox, what a genius thing to come up with!

IN SEARCH OF SCHRODINGER'S CAT

I am an architect/ Autocad drafter with limited knowledge of physics, but this book was wonderful. It refreshed what little I did learn in High School in the 60's and added so much more. I grasped the basics with little struggle and went on to read Gribbin's rewrite of the book, 'Schrodinger's Kittens..'. I was so excited about what I understood that I am now reading 'Dreams of a Final Theory' by Steven Weinberg. ........ I am amazed that I am! .....

A great read on an extraordinary topic

This is a wonderful book that deals with a rather fascinating subject: quantum mecahnics. For those who may not be familiar w/QM, it is the physics of the microcosmic world of electrons, photons, protons & neutrons. It is where Newtonian causality breaks down, where there appears a "totally new ballgame." Gribbin does an excellent job of writing for the layman, especially considering the recondite nature of the topic. However, I would recommend anyone interested in QM to read Alice In Quantumland by Robert Gilmore first as it is slightly more accessible & also has the advantage of being "fun" to read (it is told as an allegorized story). Note that I still recommend Gribbin's book, but AFTER one has read Gilmore's. It may help to make Gribbin's book make a bit more sense. All in all, though, this is an enlightening work.