[fsloth]

For "serious" studies - for mathematics there are lot of really good books that go through the evolution of the methodologies over the centuries - I've read David Bressoud's "Calculus Reordered" and John Stillwell's "Mathematics and it's history" and can recommend both.

For physics the field is so wide it's hard to pinpoint where to start. On Quantum Physics Jim Baggot's "The meaning of Quantum Theory" is the best introductory text by any measure for "mediacore academics" like myself. It tries to hand hold the reader through the firs steps of the historical evolution of quantum theory and why quantum theory is so weird as it is - as a physics MSc I wish I had read this book two decades ago :)

For "light" approach the newer "Cosmos" series is pretty damn good in highlighting some of the key scientific work of past centuries. Don't let the cute animation fool you, this is deep, deep stuff and the producers should be regarded among the top science communicators. I've never seen a better "generalist" explanation for Faraday's and Maxwell's work, the discovery Cepheid variable stars and lots of other stuff.

[mariedavid]

Thanks, I'll add the John Stillwell book to my reading list. And thanks for the idea of watching the newer "Cosmos" series. I'm always looking for ideas for shows to watch with my son!