The Problem of the Motion of Bodies: A Historical View of the Development of Classical Mechanics

Capecchi, Danilo (Author)

ISBN 10: 3319048392 / ISBN 13: 9783319048390

Published by Springer, 2014

About this Item

2014 edition. 500 pages. 9.50x6.50x1.50 inches. In Stock.

Seller Inventory # x-3319048392

Bibliographic Details

• Title: The Problem of the Motion of Bodies: A Historical View of the Development of Classical Mechanics
• Publisher: Springer
• Publication Date: 2014
• Language: English
• ISBN 10: 3319048392
• ISBN 13: 9783319048390
• Binding: Hardcover
• Condition: Brand New
• Weight: 0.98 kilograms

About this title

Synopsis

This book focuses on the way in which the problem of the motion of bodies has been viewed and approached over the course of human history. It is not another traditional history of mechanics but rather aims to enable the reader to fully understand the deeper ideas that inspired men, first in attempting to understand the mechanisms of motion and then in formulating theories with predictive as well as explanatory value. Given this objective, certain parts of the history of mechanics are neglected, such as fluid mechanics, statics and astronomy after Newton. On the other hand, due attention is paid, for example, to the history of thermodynamics, which has its own particular point of view on motion. Inspired in part by historical epistemology, the book examines the various views and theories of a given historical period (synchronic analysis) and then makes comparisons between different periods (diachronic analysis). In each period, one or two of the most meaningful contributions are selected for particular attention, instead of presenting a long inventory of scientific achievements.

About the Author

Danilo Capecchi is Professor of Mechanics of Solids and History of Science at the University of Rome La Sapienza. His research into the history of science focuses mainly on classical mechanics.