The Mathematical Theory of Relativity (Classic Reprint)

Excerpt from The Mathematical Theory of Relativity

This book includes ten lectures on the Mathematical Theory of Relativity, as I have developed it during the last twelve years. These lectures were delivered at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology during the Spring Term of the academic year 1925 — 1926. I desire to express to this Institute my deepest gratitude for the invitation which has been extended to me to give these lectures. It was very pleasant to think that I would be able to collaborate in the scientific research of this important and celebrated institution, and to renew the ties of friendship with the intellectual élite of the American people. I have not been disappointed in my hopes. The cordial reception extended to me by my colleagues in the Departments of Physics and Mathe maties, the interesting conversations and exchanges of ideas I have had with them, have played no small part in creating this feeling. In the domain of thought we are all citizens of the same country. Barriers appear only where science ceases to cast its light; and these frontiers recede ever toward more remote regions. Thanks to science, the world becomes vaster and richer. The only revolutionists are scholars and artists, for they create new conditions and they change the aspect of the universe. To be sure, this evolution sometimes carries along with it sudden and terrible changes. Think of the Great War! The present adaptation towards the universality due to science is still painqy felt in many countries. In my fatherland, scientific reconstruction was greatly helped by the C. R. B. This Committee for Relief in Belgium was organized, during the war, for avoiding famine and, in collaboration with other American organizations, has helped Belgium very much in its new organization of teaching and scientific research. Indeed, Belgium will always remember with thankfulness and admiration that noble initiative of the United States of America.