“Does the scientist’s world conform to the real one? Nature usually answers this question with an emphatic ‘No!’ It has in fact been said that Nature delights in saying ‘No’ and only with the greatest reluctance condescends to reveal her secrets. For this reason the scientist’s life is not an easy one. However, on those rare occasions when his world does conform to the real one, and for this reason does throw light on the world around us, the rewards and the satisfactions are great and more than compensate for the many disappointments.” —HERBERT A. HAUPTMAN
In this memoir of a long, distinguished career devoted to scientific research, world-renowned mathematician Herbert A. Hauptman recounts both the joys and the disappointments of his lifelong quest to induce nature to “reveal her secrets.”
In 1985, Dr. Hauptman received the greatest honor that any scientist can receive, when the Royal Swedish Academy of Sciences awarded him and his colleague, Jerome Karle, the Nobel Prize in chemistry. Drs. Hauptman and Karle were recognized “for their outstanding achievements in the development of direct methods for the determination of crystal structures.” This work has proved to be of the greatest importance because it relates molecular structure to biological activity, thus permitting a better understanding of life processes and making possible the development of many new disease-fighting drugs. Dr. Hauptman vividly describes the difficulties of the mathematical work that led up to his discovery as well as his joy when he finally hit upon a method of unraveling the structure of crystals.
In addition, he provides a personal account of his background, family, his formative studies in high school and college, and the experiences that motivated him to pursue a life devoted to scientific research. A strong advocate of the naturalistic worldview and a critic of supernaturalism in any form, he reflects on the alleged compatibility of science and religion and emphasizes the importance of scientific understanding for contemporary civilization.
Complete with an appendix containing the original monograph (coauthored with Jerome Karle), which became the basis for their Nobel Prize-winning work, this fascinating and moving memoir offers important insights into the nature of scientific research and the value of the scientific outlook on life.
PRAISE FOR ON THE BEAUTY OF SCIENCE:
"Dr. Herbert A. Hauptman's seminal mathematical research has been most admired and consequently rewarded by the scientific world's highest prize: the Nobel Prize! A compendium of his work is a true contribution to science research, and should be a part of every mathematician's library."
PROF. DR. HANS K. KAISER
Vice-rector for Academic Affairs
Professor of Mathematics
Vienna University of Technology
“The City College of New York’s class of 1937 produced an amazing group of three Nobel laureates, of which Dr. Herbert A. Hauptman was one. Yet, he was the only one who won the prize in a field (chemistry) that was not his major area of study. He was a math major — and consequently the first mathematician to win a Nobel Prize. This book reflects his life story — including his memorable years at the City College. Both scientists and the general public will find this brilliant man’s life story fascinating.”
DR. GREGORY H. WILLIAMS
President, The City College of New York
The City University of New York
“While autobiographies can often be a ‘filtered’ version of one’s life story, this one is clearly unfiltered — written by a modest and most honest man. The open style of Dr. Hauptman’s life story is fascinating and gives clear insight into this unusually brilliant man’s rearing and education. Having worked with Dr. Hauptman on several books, I can attest to the veracity of much of what he has written. The second half of the book — his Nobel Prize–winning work — speaks for itself. In short, the book is true a pleasure to read!”
ALFRED S. POSAMENTIER
Dean, The School of Education
Professor of Mathematics Education
The City College of New York
The City University of New York
Book Binding: Hardcover
Pages: 213
ISBN: 978-1-59102-460-6
Shipping Weight: 1lbs
Author Bio:
Herbert A. Hauptman (Buffalo, NY) is president of the Hauptman-Woodward Medical Research Institute, research professor in the Department of Biophysical Sciences, and adjunct professor in the Department of Computer Science at the University at Buffalo. Besides the Nobel Prize in Chemistry, Dr. Hauptman has received many other honors, including election to the National Academy of Sciences. He is the author of more than 170 publications.
