Porter - Böcker

The main theme of this book is the mathematical theory of knots and its interaction with the theory of surfaces and of group presentations.Beginning with a simple diagrammatic approach to the study of knots, reflecting the artistic and geometric appeal of interlaced forms, Knots and Surfaces takes the reader through recent advances in our understanding to areas of current research. Topics included are straightforward introductions to topological spaces, surfaces, the fundamental group, graphs, free groups, and group presentations. These topics combine into a coherent and highly developed theory to explore and explain the accessible and intuitive problems of knots and surfaces.Both as an introduction to several areas of prime importance to the development of pure mathematics today, and as an account of pure mathematics in action in an unusual context, this book presents novel challenges to students and other interested readers.

The Companion focusses on the international intellectual movement of the Enlightenment, and the individuals who shaped it. A number of substantial essays survey the main topics of dictionaries, encyclopedias, art, music and theatre, while central philosophical concepts such as human nature are also examined. Specialized topics receive short definitions and there are several hundred biographies. Chronology. 100 halftones. Bibliographies. Index.

Covering both the pharmacological and the more controversial non-pharmacological management of pain relief, this comprehensive text, edited by an internationally renowned specialist, provides practical guidance to all involved in this aspect of labour care.

In this cutting-edge volume, leading scholars examine a diverse range of environmental inequalities from around the world. Shows how far the field has moved beyond its original focus on uneven distributions of pollution in the USA Considers the influence of critical geographical and social theory on environmental justice studiesExamines a range of possibilities for future research directionsExplores the challenges of investigating and pursuing environmental justice at a time of rapid economic and environmental change