I took some time to finally read Paul J. Nahin's very enjoyable book, An Imaginary Tale, on the history of complex numbers and analysis. He did a surprisingly good job of making even the longer worked out calculus examples an enjoyable romp. Good brain food, but not for those unfamiliar with calculus, and even then probably best for those already familiar with most of what's in the book but who are interested in its history and connections they may not have appreciated as a student. I learned a thing or two, and even made some appropriate updates to my History of Hypercomplex Numbers timeline.

Google Earth is a real gem (Mac/PC). Apart from its primary function of keeping me from getting anything done, it's also a great way to actually see places that you're reading about. I just picked up a copy of Heavenly Intrigue about the death/murder of Tycho Brahe. The first thing I see is a map of where the castle is in Denmark, and it was quick work to find where I believe it must've stood. [Read more…]