Exploring The Limits Of Preclassical Mechanics: A Study Of Conceptual Development In Early Modern Science : Free Fall And Compounded Motion In The Work Of Descartes, Galileo And Beeckman

Publisher

Springer Verlag, New York

Publication Date

1992

Language

English

ISBN 10

0387976027

ISBN 13

9780387976020

Binding

Hardcover

Illustrator

151 Illustrations

Edition

1st Edition

Printing

1st Printing

Condition

Near Fine

Seller catalogs

Physics

About this title

Synopsis

The question of when and how the point of view that characterizes modern science arose in Western Europe is one that has long intrigued people interested in the history of ideas. This book examines the transition from the Renaissance to the modern point of view for one particular, but important subject: mechanics, that is, the history of motion. Descartes, Galileo, and others struggled with the idea, but it was Galileo who formulated the laws in what we recognize as the modern way. The authors of the book suggest that this was not a continuous change nor an abrupt revolution, but the result of stretching the existing conceptual system to its limits.

From the Back Cover

The question of when and how the basic concepts that characterize modern science arose in Western Europe has long been central to the history of science. This book examines the transition from Renaissance engineering and philosophy of nature to classical mechanics oriented on the central concept of velocity. Descartes, Galileo, and other protagonists of what the authors call "preclassical mechanics" struggled with fundamental concepts and contributed crucial insights to classical mechanics, but it is not clear that they actually realized these insights themselves. This book argues that the emergence of classical mechanics was neither a cumulative change nor an abrupt revolution, but rather that the transformation was the result of exploring the limits and exhausting the possibilities of the existing, largely Aristotelian conceptual system.

In the dozen years that have passed since the appearance of the first edition, significant research has been done on Descartes and Galileo and the origins of modern science. There have also been important advances in the accessibility of sources and in technology for analyzing them. For this new edition, the authors take account of the most important new results. They include a new discussion of the doctrine of proportions, an analysis of the role of traditional statics in the construction of Descartes' impact rules, and go deeper into the debate between Descartes and Hobbes on the explanation of refraction. They also provide significant new material on the early development of Galileo's work on mechanics and the law of fall. All translations have been reviewed and revised for consistency of terminology and several new documents have been added. The bibliography has been updated to take account of new literature.

"About this title" may belong to another edition of this title.

Store Description

Fine and unusual first editions and out of print books in all categories. Original photographs, Fine antiquarian and other original prints, paintings, drawings and watercolors. Motion picture and television scripts. Ephemera, Manuscripts and autographs. In business on the internet since 1999. Open by appointment only, in Pasadena, California.

Visit Seller's Storefront

Association Member

Members of these associations are committed to maintaining the highest standards. They vouch for the authenticity of all items offered for sale. They provide expert and detailed descriptions, disclose all significant defects and/or restorations, provide clear and accurate pricing, and operate with fairness and honesty during the purchase experience.

Seller's business information

Arroyo Seco Books, Pasadena, Member IOBA
CA, U.S.A.

Sale & Shipping Terms

Terms of Sale

All items are guaranteed to be fully described as to condition, with defects noted. Items are returnable for any reason within 30 days of receipt, or later by mutual agreement; for returned items, prior telephone or e-mail notice is required, as well as proper packing and, if appropriate, insurance. When items are found to not be as described, we will pay reasonable return shipping costs from the country to which we originally sent the item or, if returned from the US, the actual return postage ...

More Information

Shipping Terms

Postage, handling and insurance are extra, at estimated cost and processing fee. Shipment at standard rates is for small to standard sized books via media mail within U.S., or via Priority Mail envelope overseas, with tracking. Standard shipping costs are based on books of standard size with shipping weight of 4 pounds or less; if a book order is heavier or oversized, extra shipping costs may be charged. Non-standard and higher-valued international shipments are charged estimated postage and shipping costs, including full insurance for all shipments valued over $200. The full purchase price is always indicated on the Customs statement.

Shipping rates within U.S.A.

Shipping rates within U.S.A.
Order quantity	5 to 14 business days	3 to 7 business days
First item	US$ 8.00	US$ 25.00

Delivery times are set by sellers and vary by carrier and location. Orders passing through Customs may face delays and buyers are responsible for any associated duties or fees. Sellers may contact you regarding additional charges to cover any increased costs to ship your items.