The constants of Nature are the fundamental laws of physics that apply throughout the universe: gravity, velocity of light, electomagnetism and quantum mechanics. They encode the deepest secrets of the universe and express at once our greatest knowledge and our greatest ignorance about the cosmos. Their existence has taught us the profound truth that nature abounds with unseen regularities. What is the ultimate status of these constants of nature? Do we know why they are as they are? Are they truly constant? Are they the same everywhere? Are they all linked? These are some of the issues this book will tackle. It will look back to the discoveries of the first constants of nature and the impact they had on scientists like Einstein. Astronomical observations are suggesting that some of the constants of nature were different when the universe was younger, so are our laws of nature slowly changing? Is anything about our universe immune from the ravages of time? This book examines whether there are any constants of nature at all.

Fascinating.... The major strength of the book lies in the diversity of topics discussed. -- Nature

From the Trade Paperback edition.

John Barrow is Research Professor of Mathematical Sciences in the Department of Applied Mathematics and Theoretical Physics at the University of Cambridge. He is the author of several bestselling books, including Theories of Everything and Impossibility.