Adding a Dimension
Isaac Asimov's "Adding a Dimension" is a collection of seventeen essays exploring the history of scientific thought across various disciplines, emphasizing the human context and evolution of ideas.
Imagine, if you will, sitting down with a dear old friend, one who has a knack for taking the vast and complex world of science and making it feel like a warm, familiar kitchen. This is the feeling you get when you open a book by Isaac Asimov. In this particular collection, titled "Adding a Dimension", our friend doesn’t weave a grand tale of spaceships or robots, but rather invites us to pull up a chair and listen to stories about the history of scientific thought.
Now, Asimov, as many of us who have followed his work know, had a deep love for clarity and a belief that science should not be locked away in ivory towers. He felt it was a human endeavor, built step by painstaking step by individuals with their own quirks and within the context of their times. "Adding a Dimension," in its essence, is about taking that flat, two-dimensional picture of scientific facts that we often encounter and giving it depth by exploring its historical roots.
The journey begins in the realm of mathematics. Asimov, with his admitted “mad passion for large numbers”, starts by playing with concepts that might seem abstract, like his own system for writing very large numbers. He then gently moves towards more fundamental ideas, such as different ways of representing numbers, even the seemingly simple act of counting in different bases. He delves into the curious world of infinity, reminding us that it is not just a very large number, but a concept of endlessness. He even takes a moment to marvel at that enigmatic number, pi, and the human fascination with calculating its seemingly never-ending digits. Through these mathematical explorations, Asimov isn't just presenting facts; he is showing us how these tools of thought evolved and how human curiosity drove their development.
The narrative then shifts to the realm of physics. Here, Asimov tackles grand concepts like the speed of light and the long-held belief in the "ether". He recounts the pivotal experiment by Michelson that ultimately led to the downfall of the ether theory, a story that highlights how even well-established scientific ideas can be overturned by careful observation. This part of the collection underscores the self-correcting nature of science, where even "failures" can lead to profound breakthroughs.
Moving into the world of chemistry, Asimov, in his characteristic engaging style, shares the story of how modern chemistry emerged from earlier, more philosophical ideas. He even takes a moment to have some fun with the long, complex names that chemists often use, playfully suggesting that anyone can “speak Gaelic” by understanding their derivations. This section reminds us that even what seems like dry, technical jargon has a history and a logic behind it.
In the biology section, Asimov explores the challenges of “information retrieval” in an age of ever-increasing scientific knowledge. He then delves into a fascinating account of how crucial scientific discoveries can be missed or ignored, even by eminent scientists, as seen in the story of Mendel’s groundbreaking work on genetics. This serves as a poignant reminder that having information is not enough; one must also have the insight to recognize its significance.
The cosmic perspective comes into play in the astronomy section. Asimov discusses the shape of things in the universe and the methods astronomers use to study distant stars, even those we cannot directly see. He introduces us to fascinating objects like white dwarf stars and red dwarf stars, broadening our understanding of the vast diversity of celestial bodies. He even speculates about the possibility of unseen “sub-stars” roaming the galaxy. This part of the book instills a sense of wonder about the universe and the ingenuity of those who seek to understand it.
Finally, in the general section, Asimov reflects on the nature of scientific greatness, musing on the difficulty of choosing the “ten greatest scientists of history” and proposing his own whimsical award, the “Isaac”. This concluding essay brings the focus back to the human element in science, reminding us that even the most towering figures were individuals with their own stories.
Throughout "Adding a Dimension," Asimov's aim is clear: to enrich our understanding of science by showing us the path it has taken. He acts as a knowledgeable and enthusiastic guide, pointing out the wrong turns, the lucky breaks, and the sheer hard work that went into building our current scientific knowledge. He emphasizes that scientific truth is not always absolute but evolves as we learn more.
This collection is not about presenting the latest cutting-edge research. Instead, it provides a valuable perspective that is often missing: the context and the human stories behind the discoveries. Asimov masterfully avoids getting bogged down in overly technical details, preferring to explain complex ideas with simple analogies and clear language. This makes the essays accessible and engaging for readers of all backgrounds.
For someone familiar with Asimov's other works, "Adding a Dimension" fits seamlessly into his lifelong project of popularizing science. It shares the same accessible style, the same underlying belief in the importance of scientific literacy, and the same contagious enthusiasm for knowledge that characterizes his writing. It builds upon the foundational concepts often touched upon in his science fiction, providing the historical and conceptual underpinnings. While his science fiction often looks towards the future possibilities of science, this collection looks back, providing a crucial context for understanding how we arrived at our current understanding.
In conclusion, "Adding a Dimension" is a delightful and insightful collection of essays that lives up to its title. It adds a crucial layer of historical understanding to the often abstract world of science. Through his engaging storytelling and clear explanations, Asimov reminds us that science is a human endeavor, full of fascinating stories of discovery, perseverance, and even the occasional missed opportunity. It underscores the idea that to truly understand science, we must understand its history and the people who shaped it. This book is a testament to Asimov's skill as a science communicator and remains a valuable read for anyone curious about the development of scientific thought.
