I. The uses of abstraction
Unfeeling statistics
Prelude to a battle
Blackett
Aircraft versus submarine
II. Meditations on measurement
Biology in a darkened room
Physics in a darkened room
Subtle is the Lord
Quaker mathematician
Richardson on war
III. The pleasures of computation
Some classic algorithms
Some modern algorithms
Deeper matters
IV. Enigma variations
Enigma
Poles
Bletchley
Echoes
V. The pleasures of thought
Time and chance
Two mathematics lessons
Last thoughts

What is the connection between the outbreak of cholera in Victorian Soho, the Battle of the Atlantic and the design of anchors? They all show how a little mathematics can shed light on the world around us. If you have ever wondered what mathematicians do, then read on. Mathematicians wanting to explain to others how they spend their working days (and nights) should seek inspiration here.