Physics explores the scientific view of the world as it has developed from the earliest theories of Aristotle, Euclid, and Newton to modern theories, such as Einstein’s relativity and quantum mechanics. The classic text’s chief distinction is its time-proven ability to overcome anxieties about science by arousing interest in imaginative ideas. Those curious about physics but lacking science and mathematics backgrounds will find well-told history and countless stimulating examples. The historical approach enables students to examine philosophical questions from many viewpoints and ot see how current theory evolved. Physics has been thoroughly tested and refined by several decades of classroom teaching. A new prologue covers the years since the original 1968 edition. Chapter source notes, review problems, questions and answers, and mathematical appendices are included for those wishing to pursue topics further. The material is supplemented with clear line drawings, illustrations, graphs, charts, and tables.
In my teaching at both Cal Tech and Rutgers I find it convenient to refer my students to Cooper because it enables them to become familiar with some of the greatest of human intellectual feats without the need for calculus. Cooper delivers the essence of physics without popularizing, as only a Nobel Laureate can.
After a course based on this book the student emerges with a great deal of perspective concerning not only the importance of physics in our continuing intellectual development, but also of its place in our culture.
LEON N. COOPER is Thomas J. Watson, Sr., Professor of Science and Director of the Center for Neural Science at Brown University. He won the Nobel Prize for Physics in 1972.
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