Author
Arthur Stanley Eddington
1882-1944
Arthur Stanley Eddington (1882-1944) is a public-domain author available on Rivro. Read free books, explore subjects, and discover related classics.
WikipediaBooks by Arthur Stanley Eddington
Stars and atoms
"Stars and Atoms" by A. S. Eddington is a scientific publication written in the late 1920s. The book expands on Eddington's lectures that explore the intricate relationship between the atomic world and the cosmos, focusing on how advancements in understanding stellar structures have enriched our knowledge of atomic physics. It delves deeply into the physical principles governing stars, their interiors, and the atomic processes at play, making it suitable for readers interested in astrophysics and the fundamentals of matter. The opening of "Stars and Atoms" sets the stage for a thorough examination of the immense scale of both celestial bodies and atomic structures. Eddington begins by contrasting the vastness of stars, drawing a picture of a universe filled with enormous, distant celestial spheres, and the minuscule scale of atoms that make up physical matter. He emphasizes the continuous scientific inquiry that links the behavior of atoms to the processes occurring inside stars, particularly highlighting the intricate calculations used to infer the temperature and composition of stars' interiors. Eddington's narrative invites readers to appreciate the beauty and complexity of the universe, blending rigorous mathematical theories with accessible descriptions, thus laying a solid foundation for the more detailed explorations that follow in subsequent lectures.
The nature of the physical world
No description available.
The theory of relativity and its influence on scientific thought
"The theory of relativity and its influence on scientific thought" by Eddington is a scientific publication delivered as the Romanes Lecture in 1922. The book discusses the revolutionary implications of Einstein's theories of relativity on our understanding of space and time, marking a significant shift in scientific thought from a geocentric to a more abstract and relativistic perspective. In this lecture, Eddington explains how Einstein's theories challenge long-held notions of fixed frames of reference, asserting that the measurements of space and time are relative to the observer’s motion. He elaborates on concepts such as the FitzGerald contraction and how they arise from the need to view physical phenomena without the distortions imposed by our earthly point of view. By illustrating the relativity of physical laws and the geometry of the universe, Eddington emphasizes the profound impact of Einstein's work on fields like mechanics and gravitation, arguing that a new understanding of the four dimensions of space-time reshapes not only physics but also our broader comprehension of existence in the cosmos.