Space, Time and Gravitation: An Outline of the General Relativity Theory

by Arthur S. Eddington

• ISBN13: 9780521337090
• ISBN10: 0521337097
• Edition: Reprint
• Format: Paperback
• Copyright: 1987-03-27
• Publisher: Cambridge University Press

Summary

This classic book is essential reading for all those interested in the development of modern physics.Sir Arthur Eddington's account of the general theory of relativity, 'without, ' as he says in his preface, 'introducing anything very technical in the way of mathematics, physics or philosophy', was first published in the exciting days of 1920 soon after the first objective tests of the theory had demonstrated its validity. The book was at once received with acclamation by reviewers and remains today one of the simplest and most straightforward accounts in print. The reviewer in the Athenaeum described it as a 'masterly book. The arrangement, the vigour and ease of reasoning, the felicity of illustration, the clear, flexible prose and (we must mention it) the wit, make this book one of the most adequate and engaging attempts at the non-technical exposition of a scientific theory that it has ever been our good fortune to encounter.'The reissue includes a foreword by Sir Hermann Bondi, FRS,giving a brief appraisal of the book, and placing it in its historical and scientific context.

Table of Contents

Eclipse instruments at Sobral

Foreword

Preface

What is geometry?

1. The FitzGerald contraction

2. Relativity

3. The world of four dimensions

4. Fields of force

5. Kinds of space

6. The new law of gravitation and the old law

7. Weighing light

8. Other tests of the theory

9. Momentum and energy

10. Towards infinity

11. Electricity and gravitation

12. On the nature of things

Mathematical notes

Historical note.