Einstein: A Hundred Years of Relativity.EINSTEIN Albert 1879-1955. German-born American theoretical physicist whose special and general theories of relativity revolutionized modern thought on the nature of space and time and formed a theoretical base for the exploitation of atomic energy. He won a Nobel Prize in 1921 for his explanation of the photoelectric effect. Albert Einstein's advances, made 100 years ago this year, forever changed the way scientists view the universe. Robinson provides a comprehensive and unusual perspective on Einstein's scientific discoveries and personal life in this combination biography and collection of essays and photos. The book first reviews Newtonian physics before their refinement by the theory of relativity. Robinson then goes on to explain Einstein's miraculous insight, which led to that theory, his search for the so-called theory of everything, and his initial resistance to quantum theory quantum theory, modern physical theory concerned with the emission and absorption of energy by matter and with the motion of material particles; the quantum theory and the theory of relativity together form the theoretical basis of modern physics. Just as the theory of relativity assumes importance in the special situation where very large speeds are involved, so the quantum theory is necessary for the special situation where very small quantities are. The author also reveals some of the lesser-known aspects of Einstein's personality, including his love for music, his numerous affairs, and his adamant opposition to the nuclear bomb. Included with these biographical notes are essays written about Einstein by some of today's leading scientists, including Stephen Hawking, Freeman Dyson, and Arthur C. Clarke, as well as an account of Einstein's last interview, conducted by I. Bernard Cohen. Harry N. Abrams, Inc., 2005, 256 p., b&w photos, hardcover, $35.00. |
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