Magic Numbers of Dr.Matrix

by Martin Gardner

The Magic Numbers of Dr. Matrix draws us into the intriguing and fascinating world of numbers and number theory. "Numbers, you know, have a mysterious life of their own. It would be naive," claims Dr. Matrix, "to suppose that there is such a thing as a randomly arranged group of symbols." Consider, for example, the decimal expansion of pi. Long considered a random series, it is actually rich with remarkable patterns. "Correctly interpreted," says Dr. Matrix, "pi conveys the entire history of the human race." Dr. Matrix uncovers patterns and signs that will astound you. As Dr. Matrix demonstrates, we need only look to find clues all around us in number and language "coincidences" that will unlock the mysteries of the universe.

In The Magic Numbers of Dr. Matrix, Martin Gardner introduces us to this extraordinary man, Dr. Irving Joshua Matrix. Believed by many to be the greatest numerologist who ever lived, Dr. Matrix claims to be a reincarnation of Pythagoras. He was, however, completely unknown to the scientific community until Gardner wrote about him in Scientific American in 1960. That first report and the subsequent ones that appeared with each new encounter are collected here in their entirety. We follow Dr. Matrix as he roams the world and assumes new identities and discovers new manifestations of the power of numbers to explain and predict and entertain. Always at his side is his beautiful Eurasian daughter, Iva, who abets and protects her father in each new adventure.

As you delve into The Magic Numbers of Dr. Matrix, you will master some significant combinatorial mathematics and number theory. The many remarkable puzzles of Dr. Matrix are all clearly answered in the back of the book, together with commentary and references by Gardner to enlighten the uninitiated and entertain the inquiring reader.

Genres: Mathematics

326 pages, Kindle Edition

First published January 1, 1967

About the author

Martin Gardner was an American mathematics and science writer specializing in recreational mathematics, but with interests encompassing micromagic, stage magic, literature (especially the writings of Lewis Carroll), philosophy, scientific skepticism, and religion. He wrote the Mathematical Games column in Scientific American from 1956 to 1981, and published over 70 books.

Reviews

[Michael · Rating 1 out of 5]

I've been working my way through Martin Gardner's books, and this one was quite disappointing. There was none of the math and few of the puzzles of his other books.

This book was actually about numerology. Sure, there is a very dry veneer of satire, but his own footnotes relate the large number of readers who actually took it seriously.

As numerology is the opposite of numeracy, so my rating of this book must be the opposite of those for his other books.

[Denabler]

Mathematics and humour in the past have never to be seen mingling together... After I got introduced to Martin gardner through chance download over Thepiratebay, views, directions and perception on the whole changed.

Gardner is a man of information, after Dr. Doyle I find Gardner very interesting and humourous too. Give the book a read, you will find it pleasurable.

[andrew y · Rating 2 out of 5]

I forgot that I don't really like numerology. Even my love for Gardner can't overcome that.

[Carlos · Rating 1 out of 5]

No he podido terminarlo (apenas puedo decir que lo haya empezado, la verdad): el tema de la numerología es diametralmente opuesto a la matemática, como la astrología a la astronomía. No es para mí.

[Jim Razinha · Rating 4 out of 5]

Wonderful collection of number and word problems in vintage Gardner vein. I imagine some never realized he was playing, as I've seen the Kennedy-Lincoln bit for many years. And I've never stopped wondering how he had access to so much obscure information...and his analyses of the Bible - pre-computer database search days - are amazing.

[Soren · Rating 4 out of 5]

Not only a fun trip through numerology, but, provided me with a killer move which led to many a chess victory over unwitting opponents!

[Edmark · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a very interesting book which is unsurprising since it is Gardner's work. You don't have to be a math genius to be able to enjoy this book.

[Sergio Mira Jordán · Rating 4 out of 5]

Problemas matemáticos de (en ocasiones) muy difícil solución, sobre todo para el no versado. Sin embargo, el libro (un conjunto de artículos) no desfallece en ningún momento.

[Eddie · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was given this book by my middle school mathematics teachers. Sorry, don't remember much about it -- other than I liked it. Just going through old books...