This book deals with randomly moving objects and their spreading. The objects considered are
particles like atoms and molecules but also living beings such as humans animals plants
bacteria and even abstract entities like ideas rumors information innovations and linguistic
features. The book explores and communicates the laws behind these movements and reports about
astonishing similarities and very specific features typical of the given object under
considerations. Leading scientists in disciplines as diverse as archeology epidemics
linguistics and sociology in collaboration with their colleagues from engineering natural
sciences and mathematics introduce the phenomena of spreading as relevant for their fields. An
introductory chapter on ¿Spreading Fundamentals¿ provides a common basis for all these
considerations with a minimum of mathematics selected and presented for enjoying rather than
frustrating the reader.
