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"A History of Classical Physics -- From Antiquity to the Quantum" by J.D. Bernal

One of the most gentle and enjoyable books touring through the history of physics in the classical era.

Some authors are just so good at what they teach. That's the statement we can happily start off with when it comes to books like these. This copy is a Barnes & Noble exclusive by author J.D. Bernal. Whether you're a high school or a college student, someone who enjoys histories, or is self-taught in the sciences, this book A History of Classical Physics happens to be one of the most gentle books one can ever learn from. ("Gentle" as in that the subject is approachable, can easily be absorbed and teaches the subject without getting too technical and overwhelming.)

Author Bernal starts with a survey of physics dating back to the time when measurements were needed, which as obvious as it sounds, started with our body parts—our eyes, fingers, minds for reasoning and more. It was the measuring of the days, sunsets and stars—key ingredients that make up the calendar—that took place having started the entire discipline. Measuring the days meant relying on a system that helped scientists and researchers try to make sense of the days and nights, all rooted from astrology, thanks to the clusters of stars and their location in the heavens. Those seeds became the roots that eventually was where astronomy was derived from. At that point on, measuring the distances and orbits of the Earth, planets nearby and the Sun became a huge deal as famous astronomers on their models in how our solar system is mapped. Along with that came various machinery, from cannons to water wheels, that also took place but didn't have a need to be measured and mathematically calculated until much later.

Bernal mentions the famous names that helped contribute to the beauty of the physical sciences which started with the Egyptians, Greeks, along with the big names like Aristotle, then you have Archimedes then later, Kepler and Galileo as one of the key figures in the development/discovery of physics. As more machinery got built, whether it's to perform everyday tasks for commerce or for warfare, such scientists began asking questions and reasoning about the machine's behavior and measurements that describe its functions. While it started with the cosmos, classical physical measurements started with measuring cannon balls and its distances. There were very few mathematical formulas mentioned and discussed, and more about the development of such machines. As time went on, these measurements gradually became more commonplace as well as the maturity of the mathematics that went along with it. In fact, like the drawing of the solar system, these measurements got more and more improved over time, tools become more sophisicated and more physicists began to re-calculate, and correct, previous measurements and equations resulting to better findings and theories. There so much to mention but the writing and presentation keeps you engaged and curious in how these things came about, never boring you with useless details.

Complimenting all this wonderful information are the illustrations, from the testing and working of such machinery and mechanics to the papers written to be solved with mathematics. Given that Bernal can succinctly describe by words alone, the illustrations elaborate such description nicely. It brings you back in time wondering how many people got by with little technological breakthroughs. Nevertheless, Bernal would also talk about the illustrations and describes, in detail, what's going on, how such machine(s) worked and so forth. (All illustrations in this book are presented in black and white.)

Though book title says this covers physics into the quantum world, Bernal doesn't dive too deep into it. Firstly, he kept his word that this book is strictly about the classical period of physics, with an introduction to the modern era which started with studies about properties of heat. Secondly, some readers may be a little upset despite the book title mentioning the world of quantum, but it seems that there are more than enough books talking about that modern part of physics. Other than that, one should not expect too much about quantum mechanics/physics on this book, but again, Bernal remains talking about, and praising, the classic era of physics.

Overall, this book reads like you have a personal tour guide into a "museum of physics." The writing is gentle and friendly, and is perfect for students, professors and self-learners alike; Anyone with an appreciation for the physical sciences will truly love this book. As mentioned earlier, there isn't too much math involved and is purely history about physics; For those wanting physics explained with mathematics may want to find and consider other title. Above all, this is one of the best and fun books we have read. Recommended very highly!

CONTENTS5/5

COVER5/5

WRITING5/5

PRICE5/5

PLUSES
  • Book is based of the author's lectures, yet still gentle and fun to read.
  • Wonderful addition of illustrations showing the work-throughs and early developments of such physical systems.
  • Reads almost like a theme park tour, learning the breakthroughs and renovations that gradually got talented scientists to contribute improvements and mathematical statements explaining the inner workings of these systems.
  • Author J.D. Bernal kept his focus talking about the classical era in science (physics).
  • Perfect and friendly book for high school, college and/or any self-taught student wanting to introduce themselves in the world of physics and mechanics.
MINUSES
  • Very little mention of the Quantum world (as advertised on the book's sub-title).
100% (A+)
Fan Rating
PROFILE
Title A History of Classical Physics -- From Antiquity to the Quantum
Author(s) J.D. Bernal
Description [INNER FLAP]

Twentieth-century theories of the atom and the relativity of time and space radically altered the landscape of physics. Yet these theories were not formulated in a vacuum; they extended the work of those who had previously made invaluable discoveries. The ancient Greek philosopher Democritus was the first to conceive of the atom, and Olaus Römer, in the seventh century, was the first to propound the notion that light has a finite speed.

A History of Classical Physics describes how ideas in physics evolved, from the Golden Age of ancient Greece to the end of the nineteenth century, when quantum theory began to take shape and take hold. J.D. Bernal shows how important advances in physics have coincided with important social developments—the Agricultural and Industrial Revolutions, for example. The book discusses in detail such physicists as Copernicus, Galileo, Kepler, and Newton, and explore their contributions to an evolving worldview. Topics examined include the birth of dynamics, the properties of light and color, the development of the steam engine, the theory of heat, and the nature of electricity and magnetism.

Bernal's clarity and wit make A History of Classical Physics enjoyable reading for physicists, historians—anyone, in fact, who is curious about the development of physics. Over 100 illustrations of relevant tools and inventions give added dimension to the text.
Dedication --
ISBN 0--7607-0601-8
Book Dimensions Width: 6″
Height: 8.56″ (8 9/16″)
Depth: 1.13″ (1 1/8″)
Page Count 333
Contents Acknowledgements, Preface, 1 Introduction: What is Physics? The separation of the sciences, The nature of physics, Human sight, muscular sense, Force, Hearing, Touch, The sensations of temperature, Social aspect of physics, The four elements, The observations of the heavens, Measurements, Experiments, The building of theories, Modern physics, 2 Ancient Science The origin of human society, Weapons, Fire, The Agricultural Revolution, The balance, The wheel, Water mills, Pneumatics, 3 The Origins of Classical Science The calendar, The Greeks, Eclipses, Calculation, Greek science, The philosophers, Pythargoras, The elements, 4 Greek Physics Atoms, The tyrants, The Academy, Aristotle, The Museum, Archimedes, A round earth, The legacy of the classical world, 5 Medieval Physics The spread of Hellenism, Islamic science, Chemistry, Optics, Medieval technique, The new horse harness, Magnetism, 6 Heliocentric Physics, The change in Europe, The Agricultural Revolution, The revolution in astronomy, Navigation, The Copernican Revolution, 7 Science and Religion, Tycho Brahe, Johann Kepler, Galileo Galilei, The foundation of dynamics, The laws of falling bodies, Galileo and the Inquisition, 8 The Birth of Dynamics, Isaac Newton, Scientific societies, The calculus, Inertia, The dynamics of the solar system, The Principia, 9 The Nature of Light and Colour, The phenomena of the prism, The velocity of light, Christian Huygens, Newton's Rings, Diffraction, Newton's philosophy, 10 The Development of the Steam Engine and the Theory of Heat, The vacuum pump, The spring of the air, Denis Papin, Captain Savery, Thomas Newcomen, Latent heat: Joseph Black, James Watt: the separate condenser Matthew Boulton, The locomotive, 11 Electricity and Magnetism Robert Norman, William Gilbert, Electricity and the vacuum, Stephen Gray, The Leyden Jar, Benjamin Franklin, The lightning conductor, Coulomb and the law of attraction, Galvani: animal electricity, Volta: the electric battery, The Royal Institution, The lag in electrical development, 12 Conclusions, The inter-relationships of natural forces, The conservation of energy, The roots of modern physics, Index
Jacket Design Tom McKeveny
Author Photograph --
Published Barnes & Noble, Inc. / The Orion Publishing Group, Ltd.
Publisher Barnes & Noble, Inc. / The Orion Publishing Group, Ltd.
Copyright © 1972 by the Estate of J.D. Bernal

All rights reserved. No part of this may be used or reproduced in any manner whatsoever without the written permission of the Publisher.
Printed and bound in United States of America
Book Format Hardcover
Quoted Reviews --
Best Seller's List --
Other Originally published as The Extension of Man

This edition published by Barnes & Noble, Inc.,
by arrangement with The Orion Publishing Group, Ltd

1997 Barnes & Noble Books

"I believe that it is useful to have some idea, not only of what people believe now—which is, after all, only a temporary stage in the development of physics—but also how we came to think in that way and how the whole of current physics is tied up with its history."
-from A History of Classical Physics

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