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In this strikingly lucid and often poetic book, one of the 20th century's greatest scientists grapples with age-old philosophical questions about the earth, science, and reality, achieving in the process a brilliant non-technical exposition of the interrelationship between physics and philosophy. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (4)

The very best book I've ever read on philosophy
Xenophanes thought that the sun was a fire which got restarted every morning.Socrates believed that there were certain people who by dint of skill deserved the legitimate right to rule over others.Aristotle believed that the universe revolved around the sun (even though he was aware of then contemporary theories suggesting the reverse).St. Augustine believed that there was tribe of people with no heads but with faces and mouths on their chests.

Over the course of the centuries philosophy has been plagued by no shortage of errors.And in some cases, owing to the way in which they set back legitimate scientific discovery and exploration, the errors were not so innocent.

In this one volume, Sir Jeans concisely exposits on the similarities and differences between science and philosophy.

While both fields endeavor to explain reality, science does so according to a method which is definitionally testable and proveable.Eager to make big explanations philosophy all too casually casts testing and parsimony aside in favor of sweeping (and invariably wrong) generalizations.

As this book makes clear, some philosophy is inevitable.Our only connection to the outside world is through our senses.Solopsism is the view that these sensory inputs are nothing but the product of our imaginings.In fact a line of philosophy...by Rene Descartes...built on just this premise."Cogito ero sum."I think therefore I am.According to Descartes this proved the existence of God because God would not force us to exist alone.

But as Francis Crick so concisely put it in his scientific book The Astonishing Hypothesis, a view that we're alone and that our senses reflect at least a version of what's out there is more consistent with a worldview where physical processes create things (including the ability on our part to contemplate those same things).

But proceeding with circumspection and care we can endeavor to understand the world around us.As Jeans so poetically observes, we are like children picking up pebbles of wisdom...standing but at the shore of what is to be known...a concession hardly made by philosophy but which is the foundational cornerstone of good science.

Wonderful
As a student studying physics and philosophy this is one of the best books I've read.Jeans gives a great survey of modern physic and modern philosophy(I've used this book as a reference several times this semester to clear up some issues since I am taking both modern physics and modern philosophy!) and draws great conclusions from both of them.The book is a wonderful read, a lot of good information but still very enjoyable.Overall one of my favorite books.

Consise, yet infinitely thought provoking
Summed up, in my younger high school years this book guided me through my ponderings of the world and helped point me in a direction which has essentially shaped who I am today, a rational, yet questioning individual which is also what Mr. Jeans I think tries to accomplish with this writing. decades ahead of it's time, Sir. James Jeans talks of the foundational limitations of newtonian(clock-work like) physics as well as quantum level physics as if it was being studied like it is today. James Jeans' book is a remarkable triumph of non-fiction literature by being able to describe the uses and limitations of deep-lying mathematical concepts in almost strictly non-mathematical language. A truly elegant work!

An absolutely brilliant book
This book is as timely now as when it was first published in 1944.It presents a brilliant summary of what modern physics does and does not say about the nature of the universe in which we exist, in the context of the historical development of physics and the corresponding developments in philosophy.Even better, it is written using language that is accessible to anyone, whether or not they have a background in science.It does not contain any mathematics, and no mathematical background is required in order to understand it.

I wish I had read this book 20 years ago; it would have given focus to my ponderings about the nature of reality, time and mind. ... Read more

Product Description
The distinguished British physicist describes the scientific principles of musical sound in a precise, but non-technical way that will engage both amateur and serious musician. Topics include the development of human hearing, general properties of sound curves, transmission and reproduction of sound curves, methods of producing sound, its quality, and harmony and discord. 75 illustrations.
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Customer Reviews (9)

Don't read more than Half of this book
The first half of this book gives good formulas and visual aids...

The second half starts to psycho bable nonsence....

Don't buy this book unless you are good at sorting through useful and un-useful info

Incredible insight
Every student of physics and every serious musician should read this book.Having read many books on the "physics of music"this is by far the best i have ever read.Sir James Jeans offers incredible insight even approximately 70 years after is was written.

A great introduction to mysticism!
If your into mysticism, metaphysics, and related subjects, and are tired of throwing around words who's meaning you still don't really understand, such as "resonance" "harmony" "harmonics", "scale", "vibration", "tone" and et all, this book will make it all come to life for you. Not the authors intention to encourage such thinking at all, deep and profound metaphysical principles are nonetheless on every single page for those with the ears to hear. New Age groupies: Learn the definition of the words you use first, and you will be all the better for it.

Science Shewn Delightfully
There are numerous books on music theory and the science of sound, but what this book brings to the table is leaving mathematical treatment of the subject to geometry, and only geometry. Its presentation of simple harmonic motion, and then the superposition of multiple harmonic motions using circles and simple lines with geometric truths provides explanations that resonate with intuition.

the scientific logic behind music theory made simple !
If you're a technical dummy like me, but what to understand some of the basic concepts behind how music, in particular soundwaves, are created work and behave... this is a great book. - - The author seems genuinely sincere in wanting to convey the concepts behind the science of sound to the everyday people and makes no attempt to intimidate of show off. - - No, after reading the book you won't be an expert acoustic engineer, but you might want to take further steps to become one...Topics start with the human ear, how sound waves are made/what they are -- the book explains frequency, harmonics, disonance, tuning systems, how scales and chords are put together to get these waves to behave the way we want them (and what happens when they don't)and then takes a look at a wide variety of instruments - - what factors control the sound in a room and lot's more. - - The author's ability to give simple examples that are very eas to visualize is a strong point of the book. - - If you are looking for something very mathematical and that assumes that you're a physics whiz, the book might not be so interesting, however, if you're a musician, there's a lot of insight to be gained by reading the book... and to boot... its very concise and has a great flow. In conclusion:even as a music teacher I would suggest my students to give this a read - - and the abstract realm of "music theory" will suddenly begin to make sense as get to wittness the source from where it comes from and realize that all it is is a bunch of logical conclusions which you'll be able to reach too after finishing the book. ... Read more

Product Description
The Growth of Physical Science is a detailed but very accessible survey of what began as natural philosophy and culminated in the mid-twentieth century as quantum physical science. From the earliest physical investigations of nature made by the various civiliSations of Babylonia, Phoenicia and Egypt (a period covering 5000-600 BC), through the remarkable mathematical and philosophical achievements of the ancient Greeks, to the ages of Newton and then Einstein, Rutherford and Bohr, Jeans has written a comprehensive history of this tremendous advancement in our understanding of the universe, one that will appeal to a broad range readers interested in this subject. ... Read more

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CHAPTER I PHYSICAL PRINCIPLES The Fundamental Conceptions ov Electrostatics I. State of Electrification of a Body. 5. We proceed to a discussion of the fundamental conceptions which form the basis of Electrostatics. The first of these is that of a state of electrification of a hody. When a piece of amber has been rubbed so that it attracts small bodies to itself, we say that it is in a state of electrification- or, more shortly, that it is electrified. Other bodies besides amber possess the power of attracting small bodies after being rubbed, and are therefore susceptible of electrification. Indeed it is found that all bodies possess this property, although it is less easily recognised in the case of most bodies, than in the case of amber. For instance a brass rod with a glass handle, if rubbed on a piece of silk or cloth, will shew the power to a marked degree. The electrification here resides in the brass ; as will be explained immediately, the interposition of glass or some s

Table of Contents

CONTENTS; Introduction; rv-K; The three divisions of Electromagnetism 1; Electrostatics and Current Electricity; CHAP; I Physical Principles 5; II The Electrostatic Field of Force 24; HI Conductors and Condensers 66; IV Systems of Conductors 88; V Dielectrics and Inductive Capacity 115; VI The State of the Medium in the Electrostatic Field 140; VIL General Analytical Theorems 156; VIII Methods for the Solution of Special Problems 185; IX Steady Currents in Linear Conductors 300; X Steady Currents in Continuous Media 341; Magnetism; XI Permanent Magnetism 364; XII Induced Magnetism 408; Electromagnetism; XIII The Magnetic Field produced by Electric Currents 425; XIV Induction of Currents in Linear Circuits 452; XV Induction of Currents in Continuous Media 473; XVI Dynamical Theory of Currents 485; XVII Displacement Currents 508; XVIII The Electromagnetic Theory of Light 626; XIX The Motion of Electrons 549; XX The Gen ... Read more

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PREF1.CE
The primary aim of the present book is to supply for students
beginning the study of Theoretical Mechanics a course of such a
nature as shall emphasize the fundamental physical principles of
the subject. Different students will of course approach the study
of mechanics with different interests, different aims, and different
amounts of mathematical equipment, so that it may not be possible
to produce a single book which shall exactly fit the requirements
of every class of student, But I belieye that all students of mechanics,
no matter what their aims and intentions may be, will
be in the same position in one respect, namely that they will best
begin the study of the subject by trying to acquire a firm grasp
of the physical principles, leaving aside at first all mathematical
developments and all practical aplllications, except in so far as these
contribute to the elucidation of the fundamental physical principles.
I am aware that this belief is not held by all

Table of Contents

CONTENTS; CUAPTER 1 REST A~D }[OTJO~ ?; Introduction Motion of a point Velocity Acceleration Vectors; CIIAPTFR II FORCE AXD THF I AWS OF )[OTlON ?; ~ewton'~ laws Frame of reference La'IVS applicable only to the; motion of a particle; CHAPTER III FoncF,S ACTIXG ON A SINGLE PARTICLE; Composition and resolution of forces l':u-tic1e in equilibrium; Types of forces, - weight of L particle, tension of a string, reaction; betwetln two bodies Friction; CUAPTER IV STATICS 01-' SYSTF:1!'l OF PARTICLES; Moments ~ystem of particles in equilibrium Forces in one plane; Strings, - the suspension bridl:,re, the catenary; CUAPT~R Y S1'A'1'IC;-; OF RIGJD Bonn:s ; Rigidity Conditions of eqUilibrium for a· ... Read more

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CHAPTER I INTRODUCTION 1. The Kinetic Theory of Matter rests essentially upon two closely related hypotheses; the first-that of the molecular structure of matter, the second-t.hc hypothesis that heat is a manifestation of molecular motion. The first of these hypotheses belongs to the domain of chemistry; indeed it forms the basis of modern chemical science, It is believed not only that all matter is composed of a great number of molecules, but also that all molecules of the same chemical substance are exactly similar as regards size, mass, etc. If this were not so, it would be possible to separate the molecules of different types by chemical processes of fractiouisation, whereas Dalton found that the successively separated fractions of a substance were exactly similar. It is true that very modem research has thrown some doubt on whether the molecules of a substance are all as exactly identical as they were once thought to be, but it is also true that the hypothesis of exact similari

Table of Contents

CONTENTS; CH»P I'AOS; I Introductory Chapter 1; Mathematical Theoky ok a Gas ix a Steady State The law of distribution of velocities ;; II The method of Collisions 14; Hi The method of Statistical Mechanics 39; IV Comparison between the methods of the two preceding chapters 58; V Genera) Statistical Mechanics and Thermodynamics 66; Physical Properties of a Gas in a Steady Statu; VI Temperature, Pressure, etc 123; VII Mass Motion, Thermodynamics, C«)orimetry and Dissociation* 178; Mathematical Thkoky of a Gas not in a Steady Statk; VIII Boltzmann's Equation, etc 224; IX Maxwell's Theory 248; X The Free Path 2G6; Physical Phenomena oi" a Gar xot ix a Steady State; XI Viscosity 285; XII Conduction of Heat 306; XIII Diffusion 323; XIV The Evidence of the Kinetic Theory as to the Size of Molecules 340; Various Problems and Applications; XV Aerostatics and PLanetary Atmospheres 348; XVI The Transfer of Energy and the P ... Read more