Everything's Relative

And Other Fables from Science and Technology

By: Tony Rothman

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eBook | 2 May 2008 | Edition Number 1

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The surprising truth behind many of the most cherished "facts" in science history
Morse invented the telegraph, Bell the telephone, Edison the light bulb, and Marconi the radio . . . right? Well . . . the truth is slightly more complicated. The history of science and technology is riddled with apocrypha, inaccuracies, and falsehoods, and physicist Tony Rothman has taken it upon himself to throw a monkey wrench into the works. Combining a storyteller's gifts with a scientist's focus and hardheaded devotion to the facts-such as they may be-Rothman breaks down many of the most famous "just-so" stories of physics, astronomy, chemistry, biology, and technology to give credit where credit is truly due. From Einstein's possible misunderstanding of his own theories to actress Hedy Lemarr's role in the invention of the radio-controlled torpedo, he dredges his way through the legends of science history in relating the fascinating stories behind some of the most important, and often unsung, breakthroughs in science.
Tony Rothman, PhD (Bryn Mawr, PA), is a Research Associate at Bryn Mawr College. He is the author of seven other critically acclaimed science books and a frequent contributor to leading science publications, including Scientific American and Discover.

Industry Reviews

"... its real strength is the way it rehabilitates some of the great unknowns in scientific history..." (Focus, May 2004)

"The writing is witty, scientifically sound, and unburdened with extensive footnotes and literature references." (The Alchemist, 26 March 2004)

"...informative and well researched, this is a surprisingly new look at some very old stories." (Good Book Guide, April 2004)

"It's hard to think of a more wonderful science writer than Tony Rothman." (San Francisco Examiner)

"Tony Rothman is...a physicist who writes well and lucidly. His Hallmark is a rare attention to detail combined with abhorrence of any hint of condescension and an emphasis on the lighter side of physics." (Joseph Silk, Science magazine)

"...enthralling..." (New Scientist, 17 January 2004)