The Analytical Theory of Heat

by Joseph Fourier

In this pioneering work of mathematics, Joseph Fourier shows how the conduction of heat in solid bodies can be analyzed in terms of an infinite mathematical series. Known as the Fourier Series, this was the first correct theory on heat diffusion and continues to be used in present-day analysis. For anyone interested in the theory of heat or in the mathematical tools developed by Fourier, this classic work remains indispensable. Born the son of a French tailor, JOSEPH FOURIER (1768-1830) was a mathematician, Egyptologist, and politician whose strong influence on mathematical physics continues to this day. His other works include Description of Egypt and Analysis of Determinate Equations.

Genres: Science, Classics, Physics, Nonfiction, Mathematics, France

496 pages, Hardcover

First published February 20, 2003

About the author

Jean Baptiste Joseph Fourier (21 March 1768 – 16 May 1830) was a French mathematician and physicist born in Auxerre and best known for initiating the investigation of Fourier series and their applications to problems of heat transfer and vibrations. The Fourier transform and Fourier's Law are also named in his honour. Fourier is also generally credited with the discovery of the greenhouse effect.

Reviews

[Mike Bascom]

Its saying something to be first to put this down on paper. I read it just because it is in the huge list of books in the appendix of" how to read a book".

[Jacobbus]

The original work of Fourier translated to English long, long ago.
Mine has a different cover, but really fun to look trough this work.

[Matt]

Jean Baptiste Joseph Fourier believed the analytical equations Descartes used to study curves and surfaces applied to all general phenomena. He therefore discarded their shared French to instead write most of his book in mathematics. For Fourier there was no:

...language more universal and more simple, more free from errors and from obscurities, that is to say more worthy to express the invariable relations of natural things. Pg. 7

Which, unfortunately, is a language I am not fluent in.