The Skeptics Guide #1049 - Aug 16 2025

Published in 1687, this book is a seminal work in the history of science. It lays out Newton's three laws of motion and the law of universal gravitation, which revolutionized the understanding of physics and astronomy. The book is divided into three volumes and includes Newton's mathematical methods, particularly in the form of geometric propositions, to explain natural phenomena such as planetary motion and the behavior of comets. It also introduces the 'Rules of Reasoning in Philosophy' which provide a methodology for scientific inquiry.

In 'Musicophilia: Tales of Music and the Brain', Oliver Sacks delves into the complex and fascinating relationship between music and the human brain. The book is divided into four parts, each focusing on different themes such as the sudden onset of musicality, musical oddities like synesthesia, and the role of music in memory, movement, and emotion. Sacks examines cases of people with conditions such as musical hallucinations, amusia, and those with extraordinary musical abilities despite neurological impairments. He also discusses how music therapy can treat conditions like Parkinson's disease, Alzheimer's, and Tourette's syndrome. The book combines scientific insight with compassionate storytelling to illuminate the profound impact of music on human experience.