Newton's Principia for the Common Reader

Chandrasekhar, The Late S.

Rilegato

ISBN 10: 0198517440 ISBN 13: 9780198517443

Casa editrice: Clarendon Press, 1995

Newton's Philosophiae Naturalis Principia Mathematica provides a coherent and deductive presentation of his discovery of the universal law of gravity. The Principia is, in fact, a model for all mathematical physics. Representing a decade's work from one of the world's most distinguished physicists, this major publication is, as far as is known, the first comprehensive analysis of Newton's Principia without recourse to secondary sources. Chandrasekhar analyses some 150 propositions which form a direct chain leading to Newton's formulation of his universal law of gravitation. In each case, Newton's proofs are arranged in a linear sequence of equations and arguments, avoiding the need to unravel the necessarily convoluted style of Newton's connected prose. In almost every case, a modern version of the proofs is given to bring into sharp focus the beauty, clarity, and breathtaking economy of Newton's methods. Chandrasehkar's work is an attempt by a distinguished practising scientist to read and comprehend the enormous intellectual achievement of the Principia. This book will stimulate great interest and debate among the scientific community, illuminating the brilliance of Newton's work under the steady gaze of Chandrasekhar's rare perception.

Recensione:

To grasp the truly awesome nature of Newton's achievement in the Principia, it is necessary to turn to Subrahmanyan Chandrasekhar's Newton's Principia for the Common Reader... THis is a valuable guide to the Principia - certainly beyond the level of the "common reader" - that will take its place in the succession of major commentaries on the Principia of the past three centuries. (Physics Today November 1996)

L'autore:

Deceased