Mathematics and logic are a solid foundation for the natural sciences, especially those that operate with complex predictive models. Stephen Hawking, who has described many hypothetical universes using equations, explores the most important mathematical works of the last 25 centuries, including the work of Isaac Newton, Nikolai Lobachevsky and Evariste Galois. The original, annotated texts trace the progress of mathematical thought that paved the way for the present age of technology. Each chapter begins with a biographical sketch of the scientist, written by Stephen Hawking, which reveals the key idea of the author and the significance of his work.