From Newton to Einstein; Changing Conceptions of the Universe

by Benjamin Harrow

This historic book may have numerous typos and missing text. Purchasers can usually download a free scanned copy of the original book (without typos) from the publisher. Not indexed. Not illustrated. 1920 edition. ... Ill EINSTEIN HIS is the most important result obtained in connection with the theory of gravitation since Newton's day. Einstein's reasoning is the result of one of the highest achievements of human thought." These words were uttered by Sir J. J. Thomson, the president of the Royal Society, at a meeting of that body held on November 6, 1919, to discuss the results of the Eclipse Expedition. Einstein another Newton--and this from the > lips of J. J. Thomson, England's most illustrious physicist! If ever man weighed words carefully it is this Cambridge professor, whose own researches have assured him immortality for all time. What has this Albert Einstein done to merit such extraordinary praise? With the world in turmoil, with classes and races in a death struggle, with millions suffering and starving, why do we find time to turn our attention to this Jew? His ideas have no bearing on Europe's calamity. They will not add one bushel of wheat to starving populations. The answer is not hard to find. Men come and men go, but the mystery of the universe remains. ^It is Einstein's glory to have given us a deeper insight into the universe. Our scientists are Huxley's they do not deny activities beyond our planet; they merely center their attention on the knowable on this earth. Our philosophers, on the other hand, go far afield. Some of them soar so high that, like one poet's opinion of Shelley, the bubble bursts. Einstein, using the tools of the scientist--the experimentalist--builded a skyscraper which ultimately reached the philosophical school. His r61e is the rdle of alcohol in causing water and ether (the anaesthetic) to mix. Ether and water will mix no better than oil and water, without the presence of alcohol; in its...

Genres: Science

28 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 1920

About the author

1888-1970

Reviews

[Cassandra Kay Silva · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book was short, informative and to the point. It is just a brief overview of the transition from Newtonian thinking to Einsteins new concepts. It was written in 1920 so that must be kept in mind.

[Bryan · Rating 4 out of 5]

A classic that is still worth reading. Especially well done descriptions of Einstein's theories of relativity.

[Stella · Rating 3 out of 5]

Α book from 1920 that can be read today!