Vector Analysis and the Theory of Relativity (Classic Reprint)

Francis D. Murnaghan

ISBN 10: 1440094349 / ISBN 13: 9781440094347

Published by Forgotten Books, 2016

About this Item

Print on Demand. Embark on a journey through the fascinating realm of mathematical physics with this captivating exploration of tensor calculus. The author, a prominent physicist of their time, recognized the growing need for physicists to delve deeper into the world of mathematics, particularly following the groundbreaking work of Einstein on general relativity. Written in 1922, this book emerged during a transformative period in physics, as scientists grappled with the implications of Einstein's theories. It sought to bridge the gap between abstract mathematical concepts and their practical applications in physics, empowering physicists to understand the underlying mathematical framework of the universe. Explore fundamental concepts such as vectors, tensors, and the intriguing geometry of multi-dimensional spaces. Delve into the intricacies of tensor algebra, integral invariants, and the absolute differential calculus, all while gaining insights into the profound connections between mathematical formalism and the physical laws governing our world. This book provides a unique lens through which to view the universe, revealing the elegant mathematical structures that underpin the physical realities we experience. This book is a reproduction of an important historical work, digitally reconstructed using state-of-the-art technology to preserve the original format. In rare cases, an imperfection in the original, such as a blemish or missing page, may be replicated in the book.

Seller Inventory # 9781440094347_0

Bibliographic Details

• Title: Vector Analysis and the Theory of Relativity (Classic Reprint)
• Publisher: Forgotten Books
• Publication Date: 2016
• Language: English
• ISBN 10: 1440094349
• ISBN 13: 9781440094347
• Binding: Paperback
• Condition: New
• Book Type: print-on-demand item
• Seller catalogs:
  • Physics

About this title

Synopsis

Excerpt from Vector Analysis and the Theory of Relativity

One of the most striking effects of the publication of Einstein's papers on generalized relativity and of the discussions which arose in connection with the subsequent astronomical observations was to make students of physics renew their study of mathematics. At first they attempted to learn simply the technique, but soon there was a demand to understand more; real mathematical insight was sought. Unfortunately there were no books available, not even papers.

Dr. Murnaghan's little book is a most successful attempt to supply what is a definite need. Every physicist can read it with profit. He will learn the meaning of a vector for the first time. He will learn methods which are available for every field of mathematical physics. He will see which of the processes used by Einstein and others are strictly mathematical and which are physical. Every chapter is illuminating, and the treatment of the subject is that of a student of mathematics and is not developed ad hoc. The extension of surface and line integrals is most interesting for physicists and the discussion of the space relations in a four-dimensional geometry is one most needed. This is specially true concerning the case of point-symmetry which forms the basis of Einstein's formulae for gravitation as applied to the solar system.

I feel personally that I owe to this book a great debt. I have read it with care and shall read it again. It has given me a definiteness of understanding which I never had before, and a vision of a field of knowledge which before was remote.

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