Beyond Geometry: Classic Papers from Riemann to EinsteinEight essays trace seminal ideas about the foundations of geometry that led to the development of Einstein's general theory of relativity. This original Dover publication is the only English-language collection of these important papers, some of which are extremely hard to find. Contents include "On the Hypotheses which Lie at the Foundations of Geometry" by Georg Friedrich Riemann; "On the Facts which Lie at the Foundations of Geometry" and "On the Origin and Significance of Geometrical Axioms" by Hermann von Helmholtz; "A Comparative Review of Recent Researches in Geometry" by Felix Klein; "On the Space Theory of Matter" by William Kingdon Clifford; "On the Foundations of Geometry" by Henri Poincaré; "Euclidean Geometry and Riemannian Geometry" by Elie Cartan; and "The Problem of Space, Ether, and the Field in Physics" by Albert Einstein. These remarkably accessible papers will appeal to students of modern physics and mathematics, as well as anyone interested in the origins and sources of Einstein's most profound work. Peter Pesic of St. John's College in Santa Fe, New Mexico, provides an introduction, as well as notes that offer insights into each paper. |
What people are saying - Write a review
We haven't found any reviews in the usual places.
Other editions - View all
Common terms and phrases
aggregate analytic angles assume axioms called Clifford concept of space consider constant constructed continuous continuum coordinates correspond curved defined definition determined direction displacement distance Einstein electromagnetic equal equations essay ether Euclid Euclidean geometry Euclidean space existence experience expression external change field figures find finger finite first fixed flat function fundamental Gauss geodesic given gravitational Helmholtz hypothesis idea independent infinitely small infinitesimal invariant Klein laws lecture line element Lobachevsky magnitude mathematical means measure of curvature metric relations motion muscular sensations nature Newton’s non-Euclidean geometry number of dimensions objects Olympia Academy parallel parallel postulate physical Poincaré position possible postulate projective geometry properties propositions pseudospherical space pseudospherical surface Pythagorean Theorem quantities quantum question reflection Riemann Riemannian geometry right line rigid bodies rotation sheaf shortest line significance solid body space-time spatial sphere straight line suppose theorem theory of relativity three dimensions translated triangle unified variable





