Newton's Principia for the Common Reader

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Clarendon Press, 1995 - Celestial mechanics - 593 pages
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Representing a decade's work from one of the world's most distinguished physicists, this major publication is, as far as is known, the first comprehensive analysis of Newton's Principia without recourse to secondary sources. Chandrasekhar analyses some 150 propositions which form a direct chain leading to Newton's formulation of his universal law of gravitation. In each case, Newton's proofs are arranged in a linear sequence of equations and arguments, avoiding the need to unravel the necessarily convoluted style of Newton's connected prose. In almost every case, a modern version of the proofs is given to bring into sharp focus the beauty, clarity, and breathtaking economy of Newton's methods. This book will stimulate great interest and debate among the scientific community, illuminating the brilliance of Newton's work under the steady gaze of Chandrasekhar's rare perception.

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As a math and physics graduate back in the day, I applaud some of the Physics Professors choices when it comes to choosing the best books in Physics, and I also decry a lot of the works on that ... Read full review

Contents

the writing of the Principia
10
Definitions and Axioms
17
The Scholium to the Laws of Motion
30
Copyright

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About the author (1995)

S. Chandrasekhar is Emeritus Professor, Laboratory for Astrophysics and Space Research, The Enrico Fermi Institute at University of Chicago.

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