Newton's Principia for the Common ReaderRepresenting 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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User Review - antao - LibraryThingAs 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 | |
37 other sections not shown
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Common terms and phrases
acting action angle attraction axis body Book centre centre of gravity centripetal attraction centripetal force Chapter circle circular common conclude conic sections considered constant continually Corollary corpuscle curve decrease demonstration derived descending described determine direction directly distance Earth ellipse equal equation example expression figure fixed focus follows further given gives height Hence hyperbola illustration integral intersections inversely law of attraction M₁ M₂ manner mass matter mean motion move Newton noted obtain orbit parabola parallel particles periodic perpendicular plane position present Principia problem proof Prop proportional Proposition quadratures quantity radius ratio relation respectively rest result revolving right line sector similar solution sphere spherical square supposed surface tending Theorem third variation velocity write