Book Description: The Penguin Desk Encyclopedia of Science and Mathematics has thousands of entries that go beyond simply defining concepts or identifying the components of our natural world. It includes: * Detailed drawings throughout * Tables that provide succinct and complete data * An exhaustive index to help locate information tied to the main entries * Cross-references to aid in finding all the information about a particular topic This is a book that will help readers and students straighten out the meaning of science and mathematics in relation not only to our planet, but also to the universe.