Lucid discussions of man"s attempt to measure time-and control it, gravitation (not the strongest force in the Universe! ), the fascination of Roman numerals, the meanings of planets" names (Why is it correct to speak of "Venerian atmosphere" or even "Cytherean atmosphere-but not "Venusian atmosphere? ", the magic of measures, intriguing speculations on man's mortality, and much more-a breathtaking voyage of discovery in space and time by the man who has revealed the mysteries of science to mill.