Cogwheels of the Mind: The Story of Venn Diagrams
Adult/High School–While it appears to be a simple construct with no underlying theory, the diagram invented by English logician John Venn (1843-1923) has provided new foundations for the study of logic and new insights into the structure and function of organizations. Those three partially overlapping circles can show many things, including the interrelationships between the key components of a business plan or the ways that different groups can support one another. This fascinating book traces the diagram's development and makes interesting research contributions to the subject. A key feature is Edwards's description of the ways in which mathematicians and logicians undertake their research and advance knowledge that can be used by others. Particularly interesting is the author's account of his own research, which has produced new concepts in logic and led to the construction of new diagrams of outstanding visual beauty and complexity. Many excellent and graphically exciting illustrations of Venn diagrams transform what might have been a simple math book into one that shows that mathematics can generate pictures that could be considered to be in the forefront of modern art. This title will appeal to readers studying mathematics and logic, to those who would like to know how scientific and mathematical research is carried out, and to those who are involved in graphic design and the study of the history of art as it relates to math.–Ted Woodcock, George Mason University, Arlington, VACopyright © Reed Business Information, a division of Reed Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.