In the Preface Jim Baggott explains that "Beyond
measure represents a complete re-writing and updating" of his book on The meaning of
quantum theory (1992).
The
science does not get short shrift here -- Baggott''s book is, first and foremost, a rigorous
introduction to and discussion of all aspects of quantum theory -- but he usefully goes beyond the mere bare-bones tools and
explanations (the formulae, descriptions, and explanations that would, on some level, suffice to claim some understanding of quantum theory) and tries to suggest a bigger picture. The book begins by describing the historical advance of quantum theory, and the great upheavals in physics that came at the beginning of the 20
th century. Much of this might be familiar to anyone picking up this book, but Baggott''s succinct, clear presentation moves seamlessly from a quick introduction and overview of the state of the (scientific) world in the late 19th century to the discovery -- and triumph -- of quantum theory.
(Those with a solid undergraduate science or maths background should be comfortable with most of the book, though possibly challenged by some of the conceptual discussions.) Baggott presents many examples (of theory and experiments), generally building these up to lead the reader through particular issues.
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