A book by Steven Strogatz, the Jacob Gould Schurman Professor of Applied Mathematics, has been shortlisted for the 2019 Royal Society Insight Investment Science Book Prize.  

“Infinite Powers: The Story of Calculus, the Language of the Universe” focuses on the importance of calculus in modern civilization, charting its development from Archimedes to chaos theory and artificial intelligence. He integrates a variety of fields in his analysis, including science, politics, medicine and philosophy. 

“I’m thrilled that Infinite Powers was shortlisted,” Strogatz said. “The other books on the list are wonderful, and I’m humbled to be mentioned in the same breath with the other authors.” 

Strogatz’s research focuses on dynamical systems applied to physics, biology and social science. 

The Royal Society Book Prize was founded in 1988 and is sponsored by Insight Investment. The author of the winning book receives £25,000 and £2,500 is awarded to each of the five shortlisted books. Winners will be announced during a Sept. 23 ceremony in London.