"All is Number" - Pythagoras

Hidden among the generic system of numbers are some which form an elite cadre, known as universal constants. Constants are used in mathematics and science to represent a specific number which is linked to a measurement or concept, believed to hold true for all places and times. Taken as a small group, these ten or eleven numbers become an essential package. By altering their precise value, even slightly, life on Earth would not have been possible. Only within a certain parameter is the balance in our sun maintained between gravitation (collapse) and nuclear fusion (expansion). Similarly, the chemistry required to permit carbon molecules to evolve into humans relies upon such a state of equilibrium in the electric forces that bind atomic nuclei.

The following gallery of images are the original drawings by Steve Deihl from which the constants series was derived. The prints were made by David Adamson Editions for Bill Bartman at Art Resources Transfer in New York. In 1998, all 11 prints and a colophon were exhibited at The Vedanta Gallery, Chicago; Bennington College, Vermont; David Adamson Gallery, Washington; Clarion College, Pennsylvania; NICC Gallery, Antwerp

constants print series

c, the speed of light in vacuum

c = 299792458 meters per second

From the special theory of relativity, the speed of light is an absolute limit to any speed found in the universe. Since it travels at a constant rate, it remains independent of either the source or the observer. All forms of energy possess an equivalent mass and their total amount in the universe is fixed and indestructible.

k, the Boltzmann constant

k = 0.00000000000000000000001380649 joules per kelvin

The character of energy is seen as the random motion of atoms. A portion of energy which is used becomes inaccessible and can never be recovered. As the energy is degraded, atoms themselves assume a more disorderly state - this entropy is always increasing.

N(A), the Avogadro constant

N(A) = 602214076000000000000000

particles per mole

The number of atoms, molecules, or ions, for a given substance whose weight, in grams, is equal to its atomic weight. If 2 substances have weights in proportion to the relative weights of their respective molecules then the samples must contain the same number of molecules, comprising units of this number.

h, the Planck constant

h = 0.000000000000000000000000000000000662607015 joule-seconds

The transfer of energy between light and matter is proportional to the frequency of the energy. h is the minimum quanta of energy found in nature and all exchanges of radiation occur as multiples of these bundles.

alpha, the fine structure constant

alpha = 0.0072973525693

Like π and e, alpha is a pure dimensionless number. It is approximately equal to 1/137, and quantifies the strength of electromagnetic interactions among fundamental particles. Observation of Hydrogen's spectral lines have further revealed groupings of more lines of emission, seen as small differences in energy levels of the electron.

G, the Newtonian gravitational constant

G = 0.0000000000667430 meters cubed per kilogram-second squared

The mutual force of attraction between any two bodies is directly proportional to the product of their masses, and inversely proportional to the square of the distance between their centers.