An Introduction to Error Analysis: The Study of Uncertainties in Physical Measurements

Book Description

This best-selling text by John Taylor, now released in its second edition, introduces the study of uncertainties to lower division science students. Assuming no prior knowledge, the author introduces error analysis through the use of familiar examples ranging from carpentry to well-known historic experiments. Pertinent worked examples, simple exercises throughout the text, and numerous chapter-ending problems combine to make the book ideal for use in physics, chemistry, and engineering lab courses. The first edition of this book has been translated into six languages.

Customer Reviews:

anyone got a match???.......2007-07-25

This book is boring and basically is just another statistics book. if you have some sick twwisted interest in estimating error, buy this book otherwise find something more interesting. if you have to use this for a class, Im sorry, i feel your pain.

Great for first year laboratory science.......2007-01-05

This book is written for the introductory physics student, but it helped me get a good understanding of experimental error in my chemistry lab. The author presents error analysis using simple scenerios and without going too deep into calculus and statistics.

Great "second pass" book.......2007-01-03

Even if you have achieved a high level of mathematical sophistication, this book is a great read. I find myself gaining great new insights to basic principles due to Taylor's logical developments. This is simply the best available introductory text on error analysis.

Clear, easy, many examples.......2006-11-14

I used this book in high school to prepare for physics competitions. This is as good as I have seen it get. I only wish we used this book in college. The author goes through a lot of effort to explain and provide clear examples for every concept.

A Review of 'Introduction to Error Analysis'.......2006-03-13

This text is a valuable companion for students of the sciences, or anyone interested in experimental error, its propagation or effects on experiments or products. Lacking mathematical rigor, the book is great for the beginner or non-Mathematician.

The Body Electric: Electromagnetism and the Foundation of Life

Average customer rating:

The Body Electric
Ohh my... This has to be one of the most interesting books I've ever read!
Ahead of his time...
Very interesting!
It is the best non-fiction book I have ever read

The Body Electric: Electromagnetism and the Foundation of Life
Robert Becker , and Gary Selden
Manufacturer: Harper Paperbacks
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

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ASIN: 0688069711

Book Description

The Body Electric tells the fascinating story of our bioelectric selves. Robert O. Becker, a pioneer in the filed of regeneration and its relationship to electrical currents in living things, challenges the established mechanistic understanding of the body. He found clues to the healing process in the long-discarded theory that electricity is vital to life. But as exciting as Becker's discoveries are, pointing to the day when human limbs, spinal cords, and organs may be regenerated after they have been damaged, equally fascinating is the story of Becker's struggle to do such original work. The Body Electric explores new pathways in our understanding of evolution, acupuncture, psychic phenomena, and healing.

Customer Reviews:

The Body Electric.......2007-09-12

The information was not what I expected in regard to a misleading title. Anyone in the acupuncture field, as I am, should not be persuaded to buy this book. It basically deals with reptilian experiments done 50 or more years ago. It is a biology book, in a sense. I wish I had not purchased it!

Ohh my... This has to be one of the most interesting books I've ever read!.......2007-08-18

Honestly, if I could give this book 10 stars, I would.

I was worried this would be some hippy-dippy, new age ride, based on some of the chapter headings. But concealed behind the facade of odd chapter headings is a truly amazing scientific work. I'm blown away. Becker & Selden go into excruciatingly beautiful detail of any number of experiments exposing some of the electrical plumbing and electrical signaling going on in complex bodies. This includes bone regeneration through electrical currents, partial or complete limb regeneration in Rats and salamanders through electrical processes. It refers to known cases of young children (under 11 y/o) regrowing fingertips that have been severed in accidents and NOT been operated on, or had skin grafts that inhibit the regenerative process. They also go into the removal of bacterial infections with positive silver electrodes approximating the body's natural healing electrical currents. (I think I now know why colloidal silver is popular as an anti-infections agent and silver nitrate {I think?} is used when babies are born to ward off infection...)

This book is written with the lay reader in mind. You don't need a medical background to understand and be enraptured by this book. As I may have said already (or not), I can't put it down. It's THAT GOOD! I hope this stuff is taught in medical school and more research goes into this field. I have the feeling it holds the key to higher level human regeneration and life extension (through making use of and maintaining the body's existing electrical systems)...

Just... WOW!

Ahead of his time..........2007-02-05

I'm not really one for science books, but this book has got to be the exception. If you have any chronic or 'incurable' disease, try to hold on - because fortunately there are at least a few doctors and researchers out there who are bright enough to think outside the box and challenge existing theories regarding the workings of the human body - in particular, the electricity of the human body and how it coincides with the universe.

The author walks the reader through his discoveries that not only is it feasible for the human body to regenerate (just like the salamander's), but most likely, this is what our bodies were designed to do from the get-go, until we surrounded ourselves with electromagnetic fields of pollution so powerful that our perfectly designed DNA, immune systems, cardiovascular systems, endocrine systems, neuromuscular systems became 'confused' by all the external commotion.

The author of this book represents what research 'should be' about, but for the most part isn't, and the reader cannot help but become a part of this researcher's emotion.

If I ever have a chance to meet the author of this book, I will be honored. Until then, I will recommend this book to anyone who values the perfectly amazing life God gave them and the perfectly synchronized universe He created to sustain that life. I only pray that there are more reseachers out there bravely willing to poke holes in the current theories that the human body is merely a collection of chemical reactions, unopposed by a higher force.

The author touches on this, and I am in agreement - I have to wonder if perhaps all the bad we see around us today - broken marriages, suicides, bombings, disease, pain, suffering, greed - is this merely a by-product of all the manmade electromagnetic distress surrounding each and every one of us on a daily basis? After reading this book, you will think twice about what we've sacrificed for the sake of 'technology' - everlasting life on earth.

Very interesting!.......2007-01-10

If you are pretty well versed in physiology and basic biology, you will probably love this book! As an engineer and experimental scientist Dr. Becker opened my eyes to a whole new area of study which, politics aside, has the potential to change almost every person's life.

It is the best non-fiction book I have ever read.......2006-08-12

The first half the book held my attention like when I read a Clive Cussler adventure.

Dr. Becker patiently explains both biology and electricity building up to providing the understanding of regeneration as his research progressed.

The next half of the book explains first how electromagentism affects humans, then the potential hazards of electromagnetism are addressed.

Overall this book is very well written and I recommend it to all my friends whether they are engineers like me or not.

Average customer rating:

Tremendous Work and Very Clear
Correction to the quotation from JEI
Extremely thorough and rigorous resource
Very good and the most complete of the field!

Foundations of Image Science
Harrison H. Barrett , and Kyle Myers
Manufacturer: Wiley-Interscience
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

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Introduction to Fourier Optics
Computed Tomography: Principles, Design, Artifacts, and Recent Advances (SPIE Press Monograph Vol. PM114)
$Principles of Optics: Electromagnetic Theory of Propagation, Interference and Diffraction of Light (7th Edition)$ Principles of Optics: Electromagnetic Theory of Propagation, Interference and Diffraction of Light (7th Edition)
Principles of Nuclear Magnetic Resonance Microscopy
Fourier Transform and Its Applications

ASIN: 0471153001

Book Description

Winner of the 2006 Joseph W. Goodman Book Writing Award!

A comprehensive treatment of the principles, mathematics, and statistics of image science

In today’s visually oriented society, images play an important role in conveying messages. From seismic imaging to satellite images to medical images, our modern society would be lost without images to enhance our understanding of our health, our culture, and our world.

Foundations of Image Science presents a comprehensive treatment of the principles, mathematics, and statistics needed to understand and evaluate imaging systems. The book is the first to provide a thorough treatment of the continuous-to-discrete, or CD, model of digital imaging. Foundations of Image Science emphasizes the need for meaningful, objective assessment of image quality and presents the necessary tools for this purpose. Approaching the subject within a well-defined theoretical and physical context, this landmark text presents the mathematical underpinnings of image science at a level that is accessible to graduate students and practitioners working with imaging systems, as well as well-motivated undergraduate students.

Destined to become a standard text in the field, Foundations of Image Science covers:

Mathematical Foundations: Examines the essential mathematical foundations of image science

Image Formation–Models and Mechanisms: Presents a comprehensive and unified treatment of the mathematical and statistical principles of imaging, with an emphasis on digital imaging systems and the use of SVD methods

Image Quality: Provides a systematic exposition of the methodology for objective or task-based assessment of image quality

Applications: Presents detailed case studies of specific direct and indirect imaging systems and provides examples of how to apply the various mathematical tools covered in the book

Appendices: Covers the prerequisite material necessary for understanding the material in the main text, including matrix algebra, complex variables, and the basics of probability theory

Customer Reviews:

Tremendous Work and Very Clear.......2006-11-29

This is one of the few books that I will always treasure. Why? Because it is very clear. It has very very good discussions on everything it treats, and it treats a ton of material. In my engineering career, I have read or tried to read many many textbooks and this stands up as one of the absolute best. Barrett and Meyers give exquisite expositions on all of the mathematics necessary to study image science and many other related fields. For example, its treatment on probability, random processes, decision and estimation theory is actually better, more clear and more complete than many standard textbooks on the subject. If I get stuck reading any of them, I refer to this book and am saved.
I only wish they would issue it in two or three volumes. It is so ponderous (yet beautifully put together) if you carry it around you will get big muscles and get a good cardio workout!
I own it and leave it at home and I had the library at work get me a copy which I leave at work. If I want exercise I will go to my health club!
IT IS WORTH EVERY PENNY OF THE 146 BUCKS IT COSTS.
If you want a great textbook to learn this technology from dont hesitate to buy it. You may need two - one for home and one for work, if your company wont buy you one.
Really impressed.

Correction to the quotation from JEI.......2006-08-20

I was the reviewer for this book in the Journal of Electronic Imaging.

The quotation from my review in JEI as it appears on this site should read:

"...a worthwhile addition to the armamentarium of any serious researcher in image science and will be an oft-quoted reference for many years to come." (Journal of Electronic Imaging, April-June 2005)

The corrections pertains to the word, oft-quoted, which has, for some reason, appeared as "opt-quoted" on this site in addition to the reference, "Journal of Electronic Imaging" instead of "Journal of Electrical Imaging"

This book, of course, is outstanding as I have stated in my review in the JEI.

Extremely thorough and rigorous resource.......2006-02-10

This book always amazes me whenever I use it for the absolutely incredible amount of material that it covers in such depth. I had the tremendous good fortune to have taken a Physical Optics course with Prof. Barrett, and it would be impossible to believe that one person can know so much unless you have personally talked with him about science or had a class with him. The rumor in the department is that Dr. Barrett is the only professor to at one time or other have taught ALL of the department's core graduate courses during his career at the College of Optical Sciences. Furthermore, he is one of the rare scientists who is an authority in his field both theoretically and experimentally, so you do not get a one-sided perspective as can often happen with science texts. The book reflects his vast knowledge, expertise, rigor, and thoroughness.

Of course, the book has several chapters on mathematical formalism, including the linear algebra, dirac delta function, Fourier theory, and group theory. The imaging theory is there, as well as diffraction theory. He covers photon statistics and detection, including the necessary quantum mechanics. He covers several advanced imaging concepts that I haven't any idea about myself. You probably could not find a more comprehensive book in the field of imaging and physical optics. Another benefit is that, at least for the chapters I have used, the individual chapters seem to stand well on their own and you are not forced to study the book in order.

This book is not for the faint of heart in any respect. The material itself is not for the faint of heart: it is extremely rigorous and will require your careful attention, but I believe it is well explained and manageable for someone who is serious about learning it. The size of the book is not for the faint of heart. I would hate to have to carry this thing around much (>1500 pages!!). The price is nothing to sneeze at either, at least for an impoverished graduate student like me, but Dr. Barrett told us that if you calculate the cost per equation, it may be one of the cheapest books on the market. Well, you get what you pay for. As far as anyone in the class found out, there are no typos, either. (Really. We were looking for them). This is certainly a relief for anyone who has much experience shelling out hundreds of dollars for expensive science textbooks.

I do not consider this book to be introductory material, but it is quite likely as close to exhaustive as anything you are apt to encounter in the physical sciences. If you are very serious about imaging or physical optics, this book will be an invaluable resource.

Very good and the most complete of the field!.......2004-02-18

The authors have done a great work. The book is complete and detailed. It is helping me a lot in the beginning of my Ph.D. It's really a must have in the field!

Average customer rating:

good seller
Hawley is a genius
A serious yet easy to read book
foundation s of modern cosmology

Foundations of Modern Cosmology
John F. Hawley , and Katherine A. Holcomb
Manufacturer: Oxford University Press, USA
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

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ASIN: 019853096X

Book Description

Recent discoveries in astronomy, especially those made with data collected by satellites such as the Hubble Space Telescope and the Wilkinson Microwave Anisotropy Probe, have revolutionized the science of cosmology. These new observations offer the possibility that some long-standing mysteries in cosmology might be answered, including such fundamental questions as the ultimate fate of the universe. Foundations of modern cosmology provides an accessible, thorough and descriptive introduction to the physical basis for modern cosmological theory, from the big bang to a distant future dominated by dark energy. This second edition includes the latest observational results and provides the detailed background material necessary to understand their implications, with a focus on the specific model supported by these observations, the concordance model. Consistent with the book's title, emphasis is given to the scientific framework for cosmology, particularly the basics concepts of physics that underlie modern theories of relativity and cosmology; the importance of data and observations is stressed throughout. The book sketches the historical background of cosmology, and provides a review of the relevant basic physics and astronomy. After this introduction, both special and general relativity are treated, before proceeding to an in-depth discussion of the big bang theory and physics of the early universe. The book includes current research areas, including dark matter and structure formation, dark energy, the inflationary universe, and quantum cosmology. The authors' website (http://www.astro.virginia.edu/~jh8h/Foundations) offers a wealth of supplemental information, including questions and answers, references to other sources, and updates on the latest discoveries.

Customer Reviews:

good seller.......2007-01-16

I order the book relatively close to the date i needed it for class and got it just in time! Thanks a lot!

Hawley is a genius.......2004-05-18

I took the class given by Hawley and he makes the book extremely easy to comprehend. Granted, he wrote it, the man is a hilarious comedic genius. He makes the concepts in the book very simple, and easy to understand. I've learned the concepts before in this book, and havent fully comprehended it. This book made it all come together. Get it!

A serious yet easy to read book.......2003-07-18

This is a serious yet easy to read book on a facinating and popular subject and its main commendation is its accessibility and rigour. It is an excellent antidote to some of the glossy and expensively packeged books by "pop" writers and TV programmes.

As the introduction of the book makes clear, the authors aim for a wide audience for whom Cosmology is not a core discipline. Not only do they do a good job in meeting this goal, but they also present the physical concepts and experimental results in a way that provides new and deep insights to those whose main interest is Physics. For instance, the discussion of the Big Bang and the cosmic models provides an excellent complement to the mathematical presentation of authors like M.V. Berry. Equally, there is a plethora of material that describes experimental results like those for General Relativity: bending of light under the infulence of the sun's gravity, the Eotovos experiment to demonstrate the Equivalence Principle, etc.

The book covers a broad field: Some historical aspects, Special and General Relativity, the Big Bang and various cosmic models, dark matter, and large scale structure.

The glossary and the authors' web site provide further information on the subject.

foundation s of modern cosmology.......2000-09-21

I got this book from my university library. Pretty easy reading considering I'm an engineering student. But then, this book isn't just for physics/astronomy students, as the authors have mentioned. It starts by giving a brief history of cosmology, continuing to current understanding before going to the current problems. The book is not math intensive as it emphasize on understanding the concepts. That's why it is something like a popular-science book. For those who have an interest in cosmology, consept-wise, I recommend this title. Those requiring intensive math, look elsewhere. The other cosmology book I've read is by Martin Roos.

Average customer rating:

the best textbook on modern cosmology
Congratulations!
Understanding the new theories of inflationary cosmology
excellent textbook

Physical Foundations of Cosmology
Viatcheslav Mukhanov
Manufacturer: Cambridge University Press
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Binding: Hardcover

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ASIN: 0521563984

Book Description

Download Description

Inflationary cosmology has been developed over the last twenty years to remedy serious shortcomings in the standard hot big bang model of the universe. Taking an original approach, this textbook explains the basis of modern cosmology and shows where the theoretical results come from. The book is divided into two parts; the first deals with the homogeneous and isotropic model of the Universe, the second part discusses how inhomogeneities can explain its structure. Established material such as the inflation and quantum cosmological perturbation are presented in great detail, however the reader is brought to the frontiers of current cosmological research by the discussion of more speculative ideas. An ideal textbook for both advanced students of physics and astrophysics, all of the necessary background material is included in every chapter and no prior knowledge of general relativity and quantum field theory is assumed.

Customer Reviews:

the best textbook on modern cosmology.......2006-08-21

With the rising importance of cosmology has come an increasing flood of textbooks on modern cosmology. While I have not surveyed all the textbooks out there, many of those I have looked at suffered from serious problems. Recently, I had the opportunity of looking at Slava Mukhanov's new book on cosmology and I was so struck by its excellence that I am moved to post a review on Amazon, something I am not in the habit of doing. The bottom line is that I heartily recommend to any student or physicist serious about mastering modern cosmology. Mukhanov is one of the earliest pioneers in inflationary cosmology and a towering figure over the whole field, particularly when it comes to actual calculation, as compared to mere talk, of the density fluctuation spectrum.

Different people have different criteria for an outstanding textbook. I like a textbook to slice away all the obscure and unnecessary formalism shrouding the subject and to get through to the underlying concepts and the important physical ideas. So, dear reader, if you love heavy dry formalism that does not help you understand physics, then this book is not for you. (An aside: from a cursory glance at some of the reviews of physics books posted on Amazon I was amazed by the number of readers, apparently misinformed and misguided, more interested in mathematics and formalism than in understanding physics.)

There is a whole spectrum of books on cosmology. There are the giant compendia of every imaginable topic, but with almost nothing really derived, such as the book by Peacock. Then there are those books notorious for the amount of hype and hot air they blow. Such books apparently really appeal to people who want to "grasp" cosmology without doing any work; they could just read the hype and "be happy." On the opposite end of the spectrum is the book by Scott Dodelson, which is full of nitty gritty, the real stuff that you need to do detailed cosmic microwave background calculations, and which for that reason I highly recommend to students wanting to become professional cosmologists.

I have not read Mukhanov's book in its entirety. I read the parts on inflation and looked at his treatment of density perturbations. I really like his discussion of inflation, which carries the stamp of authority and deep understanding associated with a master who invented the subject. He cuts to the essential physics of the different approaches and wisely refrains from presenting the one thousand and one inflationary scenarios that have flooded (some would say, polluted) the literature. When he comes to density perturbations, he does it as simply as possible, and most importantly, correctly. Students should be aware of the fact that many of the well-known papers on the subject contain errors, as Mukhanov points out in a very helpful and biting footnote.

I recommend this book enthusiastically to all those serious about modern cosmology.

Congratulations!.......2006-07-27

I think this is the best conceptual book in cosmology,
I truly enjoy reading it.

Understanding the new theories of inflationary cosmology.......2006-03-21

Theories are written to explain observed phenomenon. They are then used to predict future discoveries. So long as the theory continues to work, it is accepted by the scientific community at large. Up until thirty or so years ago the model of the Cosmos was a fairly well agreed upon theory. Then slight problems began to appear, until in 1980-81 the author of this book conducted some experiments and developed theories that applied quantum fluctuations to the large scale structure of the universe.

This began the theory of inflationary cosmology that remedied several annoying little problems in the standard big bang model of the universe.

This is a textbook suitable for students in theoretical cosmology, physics, and astrophysics. It might be suitable for advanced undergraduates, but is more likely to be used in graduate level study. Some knowledge of general relativity and particle physics (and quantum field theory) is said by the author to be helpful but not necessary. I suppose that that's true, but by the end of the book you will certainly have some knowledge in this area. I'd recommend a bit of study in other books before tackling this one.

This book is a good single volume work on the modern view of cosmology. It can be used as a text on the subject. Further it contains a lot of information that will be very useful for even the best experts in the field.

excellent textbook.......2006-02-02

Long-waited excellent textbook on phyical cosmology.
Contrary to many other texts on cosmology, which report
numerous facts, this one is self-consistent and derives
results from the first principles, economically
and often neatly. It covers main topics where
theoretical physics operates in cosmology.

Philosophic Foundations of Quantum Mechanics (California Library Reprint Series)

Average customer rating:

The classic text on the philosophy of quantum mechanics

Philosophic Foundations of Quantum Mechanics (California Library Reprint Series)
Hans Reichenbach
Manufacturer: University of California Press
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Binding: Hardcover

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ASIN: 0520047656

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Written by an internationally renowned philosopher, this volume offers a three-part philosophical interpretation of quantum physics. The first part reviews the basics of quantum mechanics, outlining their philosophical interpretation and summarizing their results; the second outlines the mathematical methods of quantum mechanics; and the third section blends the philosophical ideas of the first part and the mathematical formulations of the second part to develop a variety of interpretations of quantum mechanics. 1944 edition.

Customer Reviews:

The classic text on the philosophy of quantum mechanics.......1999-12-14

Reichenbach's book is a classic text, the first (I think) to focus on the philosophical aspects of quantum mechanics. Since it was written around the time that quantum mechanics was born, it does not deal with modern discussion on the subject. Reichenbach does solid work, however, and this is a valuable resource for anyone interested in these issues.

The book has three sections. The first is an overview of his conclusions and the implications of quantum mechanics. This section is lucid and relatively non-technical, it should be intelligible to anyone. The second section is an in-depth technical introduction to the formalism of quantum mechanics. Anyone, if determined enough, could get through this part, though it's pretty hairy going for those without a formal background in physics or mathematics. In the last section, he reaches his conclusions and introduces a system of logic to deal with the truth value of propositions about quantum mechanics.

Average customer rating:

A problem with relativistic mechanics...

Doesn't stand on its own

Great for physicists, okay for others

Excellent place to start learning Clifford Algebra.

Math making sense

New Foundations for Classical Mechanics (Fundamental Theories of Physics)
D. Hestenes
Manufacturer: Springer
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

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Clifford Algebra to Geometric Calculus: A Unified Language for Mathematics and Physics (Fundamental Theories of Physics)

Geometric Algebra for Physicists

Geometric Algebra for Computer Science: An Object-Oriented Approach to Geometry (The Morgan Kaufmann Series in Computer Graphics)

Clifford Algebra: A Computational Tool for Physicists

Clifford Algebras and Spinors (London Mathematical Society Lecture Note Series)

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Ideals, Varieties, and Algorithms: An Introduction to Computational Algebraic Geometry and Commutative Algebra, 3/e (Undergraduate Texts in Mathematics)

Algebraic Cobordism (Springer Monographs in Mathematics)

Introduction to Singularities and Deformations (Springer Monographs in Mathematics)

ASIN: 0792355148

Book Description

This book provides an introduction to geometric algebra as a unified language for physics and mathematics. It contains extensive applications to classical mechanics in a textbook format suitable for courses at an intermediate level. The text is supported by more than 200 diagrams to help develop geometrical and physical intuition. Besides covering the standard material for a course on the mechanics of particles and rigid bodies, the book introduces new, coordinate-free methods for rotational dynamics and orbital mechanics, developing these subjects to a level well beyond that of other textbooks. These methods have been widely applied in recent years to biomechanics and robotics, to computer vision and geometric design, to orbital mechanics in government and industrial space programs, as well as to other branches of physics. The book applies them to the major perturbations in the solar system, including the planetary perturbations of Mercury's perihelion.
Geometric algebra integrates conventional vector algebra (along with its established notations) into a system with all the advantages of quaternions and spinors. Thus, it increases the power of the mathematical language of classical mechanics while bringing it closer to the language of quantum mechanics. This book systematically develops purely mathematical applications of geometric algebra useful in physics, including extensive applications to linear algebra and transformation groups. It contains sufficient material for a course on mathematical topics alone.
The second edition has been expanded by nearly a hundred pages on relativistic mechanics. The treatment is unique in its exclusive use of geometric algebra and in its detailed treatment of spacetime maps, collisions, motion in uniform fields and relativistic precession. It conforms with Einstein's view that the Special Theory of Relativity is the culmination of developments in classical mechanics.

Customer Reviews:

A problem with relativistic mechanics..........2005-12-01

David Hestenes is a forerunner of the modern development of Clifford algebra. His current research activities can be followed in the site http://modelingnts.la.asu.edu/GC_R&D.html. Probably his most important book until now (written with Garret Sobczyk) was "Clifford Algebra to Geometric Calculus: A Unified Language for Mathematics and Physics" (Dordrecht: Kluwer Academic Publishers, 1984) also available at Amazon.com. This book on the new foundations for classical mechanics (second edition) was written as an introduction to geometric algebra. The term "geometric algebra" was coined to stress that this formulation of Clifford algebra is a unified language for physics and mathematics; it is not a matrix algebra (as used in quantum mechanics in the disguised forms of Pauli and Dirac matrices) as it uses a new property, the contraction, which makes it different from other associative algebras. A recent book on geometric algebra is "Geometric Algebra for Physicists" by Chris Doran and Anthony Lasenby (Cambridge: Cambridge University Press, 2003) - see the site http://www.mrao.cam.ac.uk/~clifford/.

Geometric algebra is a graded algebra based on the geometric product of vectors which reduces to the inner product (a scalar) when the two vectors are parallel and to the outer product (a bivector) when the two vectors are orthogonal. The geometric product is associative and can be used in spaces with any dimension (as opposed to the cross product of vectors which is not associative and can only be used in three or seven dimensions). Therefore, the geometric product is able to generate several graded algebras: (i) in two dimensions we recover the complex numbers as elements of a real algebra, not as elements of a field; (ii) in three dimensions we get a geometric algebra that is far better than the Gibbsian approach mainly due to the geometric role of rotors is reflections and rotations; (iii) in four dimensions we obtain the so-called spacetime algebra which is perfect for Minkowski spacetime within the context of special relativity - see the paper from Hestenes in American Journal of Physics (vol. 71, pp. 691-714, June 2003). Hamilton's quaternions are properly understood. Even as a new gauge theory of gravity on flat spacetime Hestenes' geometric algebra plays a very important role - see the paper from Hestenes in Foundations of Physics (vol. 25, pp. 903-970, June 2005). The clear and insightful approach that geometric algebra can bring to the Dirac equation is also remarkable.

My only problem with this book is due to Chapter 9 on relativistic mechanics. In this chapter Hestenes takes the usual approach that can be found in traditional four-vectors, by representing an event as a paravector, i.e., as a sum of a scalar and a three-dimensional vector (in Euclidean space). This kind of approach doesn't take advantage of geometric algebra (as in his article on spacetime algebra for Am. J. Phys.) because spatial vectors are not directly linked to an observer (and to its proper time) as they are in spacetime algebra where the so-called space-time split clearly leads to an invariant and proper formulation of physics. In Chapter 9, indeed, these paravectors induce a relativistic approach and not a proper approach. Nevertheless, apart from this remark, my overall comment on this book is very positive.

Doesn't stand on its own.......2005-06-13

While I found this a reasonably well-written text, I judge a book based upon how well it stands on its own - that is, can I read the book, work through the exercises, and acquire a grasp of the topic. While this is a much clearer and more accessible intro to geometric algebra than Hestene's "Clifford Algebra to Geometric Calculus", it is more the type of book which would accompany a class in GA, where the instructor fills-in the gaps, rather than a stand-alone text. The worked exercises are relatively few, and are typically of the nature: start with this, magic, more magic, resulting answer. It lacks sufficient explanation, is not self-contained, but this can be partially overcome with additional resources.

Great for physicists, okay for others.......2000-09-12

This is a great introduction to the Geometric (Clifford) Algebra. It's fundamentally a physics textbook, however. Those readers whose only desire is to learn the Geometric Algebra might feel some frustration at having to separate out the Geometric Algebra from the physics. Readers that prefer learning by exploring applications and examples will like this book; those that prefer explanations in the abstract will still enjoy many sections, but will have to make it through the more applied sections to get the full story.

Reading the book and working through the problems gives a firm grounding in the use of the Geometric Algebra and teaches classical mechanics besides. I could easily recommend this book as a physics textbook on its merits in that area alone.

Excellent place to start learning Clifford Algebra........2000-08-06

A briliantly pedagogical introduction to Clifford Algebra as a unified algebraic language for Newtonian Mechanics in three dimensions. The book is full of applications and nonstandard approaches which simply cannot be found anywhere else. This is essential reading for anyone interested in Clifford Algebras or who wants a deeper appreciation for classical mechanics. This is a lot of book...

Math making sense.......2000-05-01

The entirely new approach to the mathematical treatment of familiar Physics situations. A very useful tool for a Physisist.

The Quantum Theory of Fields, Volume 1: Foundations

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Very thorough and logical, but somewhat difficult and painful to get through
Brilliant
superb book
Reading for Rhetoric
Perfection, but advanced

The Quantum Theory of Fields, Volume 1: Foundations
Steven Weinberg
Manufacturer: Cambridge University Press
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

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ASIN: 0521670535

Book Description

In The Quantum Theory of Fields, Nobel Laureate Steven Weinberg combines his exceptional physical insight with his gift for clear exposition to provide a self-contained, comprehensive, and up-to-date introduction to quantum field theory. This is a two-volume work. Volume I introduces the foundations of quantum field theory. The development is fresh and logical throughout, with each step carefully motivated by what has gone before, and emphasizing the reasons why such a theory should describe nature. After a brief historical outline, the book begins anew with the principles about which we are most certain, relativity and quantum mechanics, and the properties of particles that follow from these principles. Quantum field theory emerges from this as a natural consequence. The author presents the classic calculations of quantum electrodynamics in a thoroughly modern way, showing the use of path integrals and dimensional regularization. His account of renormalization theory reflects the changes in our view of quantum field theory since the advent of effective field theories. The book's scope extends beyond quantum electrodynamics to elementary particle physics, and nuclear physics. It contains much original material, and is peppered with examples and insights drawn from the author's experience as a leader of elementary particle research. Problems are included at the end of each chapter. This work will be an invaluable reference for all physicists and mathematicians who use quantum field theory, and it is also appropriate as a textbook for graduate students in this area.

Customer Reviews:

Very thorough and logical, but somewhat difficult and painful to get through.......2007-07-23

To put the review in perspective, My Background: I am a senior undergraduate engineering/physics student with an interest in mathematics and theoretical physics. This is my third QFT book.

Things I liked about the book:
- The book follows a very logical progression. I love how Weinberg presents a coherent argument based on simple physical principles (specifically Lorentz invariance and the cluster decomposition principle).
- Weinberg takes painstaking effort to avoid hand-waving, and is very careful to enumerate (and make plausible) his assumptions. In so doing, he avoids the sort of black-magic feeling I got when reading some less well written QFT books (see for example: Peskin and Schroeder, which makes a mockery of logical progression in an effort to teach you how to calculate as soon as possible).
- The book was very thorough, and often provided an original approach to the material. The coverage of renormalization seemed natural and coherent, and since the book is presented in a logical order (rather than a historical one) Weinberg avoids justifying renormalization as some mysterious subtraction of infinities, basing it instead on general non-perterbative methods (e.g. poles of the S-matrix, etc...)

What I didn't like about the book:
- As a result of his unwavering emphasis on logical progression, and his inclusion of a vast amount of material (almost all of which is necessary to understand in order to progress through the book), the book is somewhat painful to get through. Be prepared to re-read many of the sections a couple of times, and to make very slow progress.
- Weinberg chooses to present QFT in a very general form (i.e. abstracting it from a particular field such as particle physics or condensed matter physics). This is not necessarily a disadvantage, but I often found my interest waning after reading a few hundred pages without making any contact with phenomenology. Additionally, the excercises were similarly abstract, which makes it difficult (at least for me) to particularly care about their results. (More of a problem for self-study)
- The notation is very complete, which isn't normally a bad thing. However, the equations sometimes become very cumbersome when he includes every index, and every functional dependence regardless of how redundant they may be.
- In his coverage of path integrals, he derives things using functional determinants rather than through the more common generating functional methods. I think this hides a lot of the physical insight of the path integral approach, particularly, its equivalence to the 2nd-quantized approach, and its relation to Feynman diagrams.
- This book will drive the more mathematically inclined crazy, as the author admits, it makes very little attempt at rigour, and is very uncareful. He exchanges orders of limits willy-nilly, and often is not even clear about what sort of limiting process is taking place. There is not discussion of functional integration measures, or convergence, and there is very little justification provided for regularization methods (actually the coverage of dimensional regularization is extremely sparce, and would have been unfollowable, had I not already known it).

General Comments:
- I think that, contrary to some of the previous reviews, that the first few chapters of the book (through 6) would be a good first exposure to quantum field theory. I think the reader would have a much better understanding of the theory. However, the rest of the book is quite advanced, and would not be good for the uninitialized.
- I think that in an effort to make his coverage thorough and abstracting his discussion from phenomenology, the author sacrificed some of the readability of the book. That being said, if you're serious about learning the subject, this is a good resource.

Brilliant.......2006-09-15

Weinberg never disappoints the serious student of theoretical physics. There is no good reason to ignore perusing his texts.
Weinberg is a master expositor and creator of modern physics.
There simply is no good reason not to purchase his volumes.

superb book .......2006-08-16

in my opinion this should be one of the best books in qft.
Althought I've read jauch&rohrlich photons and electrons, p.ramond, itzykson, and ultimately, hatfield, Weinberg lead all of them for many heads. The features of this book are clarity, deepness, rigor, and authoritative treatment of all the topics. The discussion for a lagrangian versus hamiltonian formalism is lucid,and no finded in any other book. Group theory is applyied when is customary without cross over the physical implications. It contains a chapter devoted to scattering like no other book, wich is clear and explain concepts involved with "in" and "out" states(other of the lacks of many books of qft). Even the problems that contain are very well picked up, and solvable in most cases. I could't find any fault or mislead in what i read in this book, perhaps any skilled reader can find some. Even binding and typography are excellent, there is nothing more valuable for hardly 40$.

Reading for Rhetoric.......2006-03-31

Physics is usually a horribly taught subject, that is why most students avoid it. When it is effectively communicated, physics can be wonderful. This book represents the former. It is dense. The author is obviously a brilliant person; but, he is not a brilliant communicator. I've got a Master's in Physics and I was lost by the end of the second chapter. I have no doubt that the mathematics as presented are accurate; however, alone they fail to effectively communicate the substance of the topic to a mere mortal. Weinberg does not spend adequate time discussing the context, reality, or historical evolution of his ideas. I purchased all three volumes and, apparently, waisted my money.

I later purchased Roger Penrose's "The Road to Reality" and thoroughly enjoyed it. It was not an easy read either, but Penrose spent a significant amount of time recounting historical context, impact, and the 'reality' of his ideas.

Perfection, but advanced.......2006-01-10

This is one of the best written physics books to ever hit the market. However, it deals with an advanced topic and its not for the faint of heart or those without the proper background. Weinberg's writing style is remarkably clear. A historical introduction (which is very enlightening) is followed by a nice chapter on relatavistic quantum mechanics. Later chapters which I found very useful include a chapter titled "Quantum Fields and Antiparticles", where he introduces the Dirac formalism, and "The Feynman Rules", which is one of the best presentations on this topic I have come across. Chapters on the Lagrangian methods and path integrals are also good. I would strongly advise the reader to thoroughly study other quantum field theory books before tackling this one.

Also recommended (to get started): "Quantum Field Theory in a Nutshell"

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Foundations of Medical Imaging
Z. H. Cho , Joie P. Jones , and Manbir Singh
Manufacturer: Wiley-Interscience
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

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ASIN: 0471545732

Book Description

Designed to provide those engaged in modern medical imaging with a coherent perspective of the entire discipline so that one protocol is no longer an isolated or independent mode of imaging from others, to wit: single photon emission computed tomography (SPECT), positron emission tomography (PET) or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). Introduces biomagnetic imaging as a third new modality.

Disturbing the Universe (Sloan Foundation Science Series)

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excelente
More Truthful than Science
An interesting book, but not a masterpiece
Evocative
A Masterpiece

Disturbing the Universe (Sloan Foundation Science Series)
Freeman Dyson
Manufacturer: Basic Books
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

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ASIN: 0465016774
Release Date: 2001-05-08

Book Description

The classic intellectual autobiography of a great theoretical physicist Spanning the years from World War II, when he was a civilian statistician in the operations research section of the Royal Air Force Bomber Command, through his studies with Hans Bethe at Cornell University, his early friendship with Richard Feynman, and his postgraduate work with J. Robert Oppenheimer, Freeman Dyson has composed an autobiography unlike any other. Dyson evocatively conveys the thrill of a deep engagement with the world-be it as scientist, citizen, student, or parent. Detailing a unique career not limited to his groundbreaking work in physics, Dyson discusses his interest in minimizing loss of life in war, in disarmament, and even in thought experiments on the expansion of our frontiers into the galaxies.

Customer Reviews:

excelente.......2007-01-10

Excelente libro, es sorprendente simpre deleitarse con las ideas y la forma magistral de Freeman Dyson, para contranos y aconsejarnos sobre ciencia y futuro

More Truthful than Science.......2006-08-22

I was first introduced to Freeman Dyson as a colleague and sometimes other half of Richard Feynman. I regret that during our brief meetings I never got to know him for being more than a physicist. Therefore, when I started reading this book I was expecting something akin to the biographical material on Feynman. Instead, I found not only a more richly multidimensional book, but a glimpse into the soul of a thinker for the ages and a new window into timeless issues that world news thrusts upon us every day. Dyson explores topics as diverse as his early work in physics, to his work in the nuclear disarmament programs of the Kennedy-Kruschev era, to the politics of the McCarthyist efforts against Oppenheimer, to his thoughts on what it means for a one-time Brit to become an American, to gedanken experiments about colonization of the universe. Beneath each of these topics lies a set of fundamental moral imperatives. This book is an inspiration for professionals to look beyond their profession, and beyond science, to grapple with the great human questions.

The open pages of Dyson's life, as recalled here, take the concept of "laws of nature" far beyond the realm of subatomic particle physics into the space of everyday social experience. This is a book about the development of social conscience, fueled by the ethical questions of nuclear weapons development. It is perhaps predictable that the book dwells on the questions of the morality of war, but the fresh perspectives and depth of thought on this topic kept me engaged. Reaching far beyond the role of science in war, the book extrapolates this discourse into the broader question of technology's role in a conscionable future of humanity. It is one of those uncommon writings from a "science" author that we dare call literature, both in terms of its rhetoric and in terms of its universality.

There is a small bit at the end where Dyson describes what I believe to be an overly ambitious attempt to create a unifying metaphysic of subatomic behavior and human psychology, that seemed out of character with the rest of his book. But I can forgive the author that small distraction in light. And even as strange as it is, it bounces around in my head and--as is true of many ideas from this book--has been the source of numerous thoughtful discussions with colleagues.

An interesting book, but not a masterpiece.......2003-01-23

some reviewers say this book is a masterpiece,and the greatest book written by Freeman.Dyson, I really can't agree with them.
I read the book twice, I find it is an interesting book. Dyson is undoubted a successful scientist, this book ,I think it as autobiography of Dyson. of course, it is very interesting and full of stories. But just like other autobiographies, it is just a story book, not a masterpiece. for these resons, I give it four stars.
F.Dyson wrote some popular book, they are all excellent, but the greater work of Dyson is about scientific research, such as QED.
I also like his "infinite in all directions", because it give me a special viewpoint about science, society and universe.anyway, The book,and others by dyson is worth of reading.

Evocative.......2002-06-27

While browsing the physics books in my local Borders, I picked up this book on a whim and read the first few pages. Those pages were so powerful I immediately bought it.

Dyson begins by writing about his childhood, but even then, the reader can sense that Dyson's perspective encompasses far more than childhood events, as he mentions a favorite children's story in which the hero finds that his toys have come to life and run amuck; a constant theme in the book is that of responsibility for one's scientific discoveries.

Dyson continues with stories about his involvement in RAF Bomber Command during WWII, where he learned the ineffectualness of strategic bombing. But soon Dyson begins branching out from his personal life to address issues such as the search for extraterrestial intelligence, nuclear disarmament, and the role of science and religion.

His words are laced with compassion, as he speaks of the wrongs he has seen committed, very rarely with anger, although he has certainly more than earned that right! One thing that especially struck me over and over is the profound wisdom that this man has. This is a man who would appear a paradox: a seeker of peace yet utterly realistic, a rational scientist yet devoutly religious. You will not be able to resolve this apparent contradiction unless you read this book! And then you will want to read it again. I certainly did.

A Masterpiece.......2001-02-25

This is the best book by Dyson, if you exclude that which contains his Selected Papers. This means a lot for me, for I rate very highly all his books, especially "Infinite in All Directions". Actually, this is one of the best books I ever read, and it influenced me a lot, for instance, in my reading of poetry. It was in this book that I discovered Yeats (recall that I am not a native English speaker). And it gave me the momentum to read, and appreciate in a quite concrete situation, the second part of Goethe's Faust. The episode of Dyson's vacations with mother and father, and the ensuing discussion on humanities vs. science, is very revealing, and helps to pinpoint the origin of the high degree of understanding and tolerance which illuminates all posterior Dyson writings, and that eventually made him win the Templeton Prize. A surprising, very moving chapter on Teller, introduced as a gifted Bach player at the piano is probably closer to the truth than everything else written on the controversial scientist. Wonderful the chapter on how to detect (large) extra-terrestrial civilizations. A book for many, many readings!

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