Judul : Fundamental Formulas of Physics
Pengarang : Donald H. Menzel
Penerbit : Dover Publications, Inc.
PREFACE
A survey of physical scientists, made several years ago, indicated the need for a comprehensive reference book on the fundamental formulas of mathematical physics. Such a book, the survey showed, should be broad, covering, in addition to basic physics, certain cross-field disciplines where physics touches upon chemistry, astronomy, meteorology, biology, and electronics.
The present volume represents an attempt to fill the indicated need. I am deeply indebted to the individual authors, who have contributed time and effort to select and assemble formulas within their special fields. Each author has had full freedom to organize his material in a form most suitable for the subject matter covered. In consequence, the styles and modes of presentation exhibit wide variety. Some authors considered a mere listing
of the basic formulas as giving ample coverage. Others felt the necessity of adding appreciable explanatory text.
The independence of the authors has, inevitably, resulted in a certain amount of overlap. However, since conventional notation may vary for the different fields, the duplication of formulas should be helpful rather than confusing.
In the main, authors have emphasized the significant formulas, without attempting to develop them from basic principles. Apart from this omission, each chapter stands as a brief summary or short textbook of the field represented. In certain instances, the authors have included material not heretofore available.
The book, therefore, should fill needs other than its intended primary function of reference and guide for research. A student may find it a handy aid for review of familiar field or for gaining rapid insight into the techniques of new ones. The teacher will find it a useful guide in the broad field of physics. The chemist, the astronomer, the meteorologist, the
biologist, an the engineer should derive valuable aid from the general sections as well as from the cross-field chapters in their specialties. For example, the chapter on Electromagnetic Theory has been designed to meet the needs of both engineers and physicists. The handy conversion factors facilitate rapid conversion from Gaussian to MKS units or vice versa.
In a work of this magnitude, some errors will have inevitably crept m. I should appreciate it, if readers would call them to my attention.
DONALD H. MENZEL
Harvard College Observatory
Cambridge, Mass.
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