The Progress of Physics
During 33 Years (1875–1908), Four Lectures Delivered to the University of Calcutta during March 1908

Originally published in 1911, this book provides a concise discussion of advances in physics during the period 1875–1908.

Arthur Schuster (Author)

9781107559905, Cambridge University Press

Paperback / softback, published 15 October 2015

176 pages
21.6 x 14 x 1 cm, 0.23 kg

Originally published in 1911, this book was based upon a series of four lectures delivered at the University of Calcutta during March 1908 by the renowned German-born British physicist Arthur Schuster (1851–1934). The text provides a concise discussion of advances in physics during the period 1875–1908 and Schuster's position in relation to contemporary theories, including those of Einstein and Planck. This book will be of value to anyone with an interest in the development of physics and the history of science.

Introduction
1. Scope of lectures. State of physics in 1875. Science of energy. Theory of gases. Elastic solid theory of light. Maxwell's theory of electricity. Training of students. Maxwell's view. Accurate measurement and discovery of Argon. German methods. Kirchhoff's laboratory. Wilhelm Weber's laboratory. The two laboratories of Berlin. Laboratory instruction at Manchester. Position of physics in mathematical tripos at Cambridge. Todhunter's views. The Cavendish laboratory. Spectrum analysis. The radiometer. Theory of vortex atom
2. Action at a distance. Elastic solid of theory of light. Maxwell's theory of electrical action. Electro-magnetic theory. Verification of electromagnetic theory by Hertz. Electro-magnetic waves. Wireless telegraphy. First suggestion of molecular structure of electricity. Early experiments in the electric discharge through gases. Kathode rays. Works of Goldstein and Crookes. Hittorf's investigations. Own work on the discharge through gases. Ionization of gases. Magnetic deflexion of kathode rays. J. J. Thomson's experiments. Measurement of atomic charge
3. Roentgen's discovery. Theories of Roentgen rays. Ionizing power of Roentgen rays. Conduction of electricity through ionized gases. Discovery of radio-activity. Discovery of radium. Magnetic deflexion of rays emitted by radio-active bodies. Discovery of emanations. Theory of radio-active change. Decay of the atom. Connexion between helium and the a ray. Helium produced by radium. Strutt's researches on helium accumulated in rocks. Electric inertia. Constitution of atom. J. J. Thomson's theory of Roentgen radiation. The Michelson–Morley experiment. Principle of relativity. The Zeeman effect. Other consequences of electron theory. Contrast between old and modern school of physics
4. Observational sciences. Judgment affected by scale. Terrestrial magnetism. Existence of potential. Separation of internal and external causes. Diurnal variation. Magnetic storms. Their causes. Solar influence. Theories of secular variation. Atmospheric electricity. Negative charge of Earth. Ionization of air. Origin of atmospheric electricity. Electric charge of rain. Ebert's theory. Cause of thunderstorms. The age of the Earth. Rigidity of Earth. Displacement of axis. Gravitation. Identity of molecules of the same kind
Index.

Subject Areas: Atomic & molecular physics [PHM]