In The Grip Of The Distant Universe: The Science Of Inertia by Peter Graneau

In The Grip Of The Distant Universe: The Science Of Inertia by Peter Graneau

This is a book about the history of the science of inertia. Nobody denies the existence of the forces of inertia, but they are branded as “fictitious” because they do not fit smoothly into modern physics. Named by Kepler and given mathematical form by Newton, the force of inertia remains aloof because it has no obvious local cause. At the end of the 19th century, Ernst Mach bravely claimed that the inertia of an object was the result of its instantaneous interaction with all matter in the universe.Many other well-known physicists, including Aristotle, Galileo, Descartes and Einstein, are shown to have tackled this difficult subject. The book also concentrates on inertia research in the 20th century, taking place under the shadow of general relativity, which is seen as uncomfortable with Mach's principle. A Newtonian paradigm, based on action-at-a-distance forces, is discussed throughout the book, allowing the revival of Mach's principle as the only coherent explanation of the inertia forces which play such an important role in the laboratory and in the cosmos.

"This book is a rarity -- a serious, original, informed attack on a truly foundational problem area of physicsI think all will feel rewarded in making the acquaintance, through their work, of these two remarkably original thinkers. Most highly recommended."Dr Thomas PhippsGalilean Electrodynamics"This book is without equations and accessible to anyone with a basic knowledge of and interest in physics. There are diagrams to illustrate some ideas and photographs of the prominent physicists involved. Every chapter has good references, and there is a useful index."Choice"The printing and binding of the book is wonderful. Such books as this one need to be brought to the attention of mainstream science students so that they are aware of the alternatives to the theories taught to them in classrooms."Journal of Scientific Exploration

SKU	Unavailable
ISBN 13	9789812567543
ISBN 10	9812567542
Title	In The Grip Of The Distant Universe: The Science Of Inertia
Author	Peter Graneau
Condition	Unavailable
Publisher	World Scientific Publishing Co Pte Ltd
Year published	2006-06-02
Number of pages	288
Cover note	Book picture is for illustrative purposes only, actual binding, cover or edition may vary.
Note	Unavailable