PHYSICISTS have always relied on advanced mathematics to push forward the boundaries of their field. Until recently, biologists have got by with just a few simple sums and statistical tests. Not anymore, says Ian Stewart.
He suggests mathematics is the latest revolution in biology, and details how it is helping us to decode our genomes, understand evolution and generally learn more about the natural world.
At times the book feels thinly spread. Early chapters on the invention of the microscope or the discovery of genes, for example, contain a lot of biology and not enough mathematics.
It is only later…
