The Wonders of Physics by Irving Adler

First published: 1966; illustrated

Subjects: Education, jobs and work, nature, and science

Type of work: Science

Recommended Ages: 10-15

Form and Content

Irving Adler’s The Wonders of Physics: An Introduction to the Physical World describes the role played by this branch of science in everyday life. Although simple mathematics are found throughout the book, the purpose of this book goes beyond that of a textbook. Rather, the author attempts to stimulate the interest of the reader in their world. Adler introduces the text with a basic discussion of what physics involves. In addition to providing a basic definition of the subject, this introductory chapter begins by addressing questions to events occurring around people that they often take little time to observe. Topics are described using a basic question-and-answer format. For example, the reader is asked about the rising and setting of the sun. In this manner, Adler introduces his readers to such concepts as planetary motion.

The text is subdivided into chapters, each dealing with a specific application of the physical sciences. First is introduced the concept of measurement; the terms commonly used to carry out physical measurements are explained. In a sense, these first chapters merely introduce subjects in order to pique the interest of young readers. From this point on in the book, Adler emphasizes the applications of physics. Each chapter begins with an explanation of the subject; individual chapters deal with such topics as the forms of matter, relativity, and radiation. A brief history is provided for the subject matter; for example, in the chapter addressing relativity, the role played by Albert Einstein in introducing relativity both to fellow scientists and to the general public is discussed. Even though each chapter may involve a diverse set of material, Adler explains the information at a level appropriate for young readers. Following an explanation of the material, the author moves into the area of application, presenting several examples of increasing complexity.

The book was written in the 1960’s, and some of the text is arguably dated, particularly with respect to certain examples or applications (satellites, for example, are more complex than the simple radios that the author describes). The basic context of the material remains general enough, however, that it can still be applied to everyday life. Since 1966, human beings have walked on the moon and space probes have been sent out of the solar system, but the underlying physics does not change. It is here that Adler is strongest in his descriptions. Illustrations in the form of cartoons are plentiful and useful in understanding much of the material (although the stick-figure format may be perceived as silly by more sophisticated youths who have access to computers). The book finishes with descriptions of further applications of physics, in areas such as astronomy and nuclear fission or fusion. The sun is often the focus of such applications, used to illustrate aspects of planetary motion, as a source of radiation, and indeed as a prime example of what can happen as a result of the release of energy during certain forms of nuclear reactions. The book concludes with additional questions and answers that would appeal to young readers.

Critical Context

Irving Adler spent more than twenty years as a teacher of mathematics in the New York City school system. In 1952, he altered his career, becoming a writer of children’s books on the subject of science and mathematics. Adler based his writings on his own interests—that is, dealing with subjects about which he wished to know in more detail. He remembered his own interests as a child and teenager, and his work reflected the assumption that these questions are universal and timeless. Never losing his wonder at the world around him, Adler addressed his writings specifically to those individuals who had not yet lost their own curiosity about the world: the young. The goal of his writings was to create a picture for his readers, thereby stimulating their imaginations. His experience as a teacher was an immense help in achieving this goal.

Adler went on to publish more than seventy-five children’s books, mainly in areas of science. He has the capacity to present the material in the language of his readers; he never talks down to them but, with the use of clear examples and analogies, is able to bring his points across. The Wonders of Physics is typical of such writing. When this book was first published in 1966, it was considered among the best science books directed toward a youthful audience. Adler followed it shortly afterward with books in a similar vein directed at the same audience: Atoms and Molecules (1966), Magnets (1966), and Energy (1970). The successful format used previously was continued in the series. In like manner, Adler has also written for an adult audience, remaining as popular with his older readers as with a more youthful audience.