Astronomically Speaking: A Dictionary of Quotations on Astronomy, Mathematics and Physics is the largest compilation of astronomy quotations published to date: it contains around 1550 quotations. There are many books of quotations, some of which have small sections about astronomy and astronomy-related topics but Astronomically Speaking is devoted to the topic of astronomy and closely related areas of mathematics and physics.

To understand the history, accomplishments and failures, and the meanings of astronomy requires a knowledge of what has been said by the authoritative and the not-so-authoritative philosophers, novelists, playwrights, poets, scientists and laymen about astronomy. Nowdays it is virtually impossible to keep abreast of the literature outside of one's own particular specialization. With this in mind, Astronomically Speaking assumes a particularly important role as a guide to what has been said in the past through to the present about astronomy. Astronomically Speaking is designed as an aid for the general reader who has an interest in astronomical topics as well as for the experienced scientist.

The general reader with no knowledge of astronomy can form a pretty accurate picture of what astronomy is. Students can use the book to increase their understanding of the complexity and richness that exists in scientific disciplines. Finally, the experienced scientist will find Astronomically Speaking useful as a source of quotes for use in the classroom, in papers and in presentations. A quick glance through the table of contents will show the variety of topics discussed. Readers can access the wit and wisdom that exists easily and quickly using the comprehensive indexes.

Contents

• Preface
• Abstraction
• Accuracy
• Addition
• Age
• Algebra
• Alien ...