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A Survey of Physical Theory (Dover Books on Physics) by Max Planck (2010) Paperback
In this classic of scientific literature, the Nobel Laureate and creator of the quantum revolution explores the ideas intrinsic to physics. Planck's clear, simple presentation is accessible not only to the scientific community but also to other readers. He concludes with an engrossing step-by-step narrative of his development of quantum theory. 1925 edition.
Paperback Bunko
First published January 1, 1925
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About the author
Max Planck
276 books168 followersMax Karl Ernst Ludwig Planck was a German theoretical physicist who originated quantum theory, which won him the Nobel Prize in Physics in 1918.
Planck made many contributions to theoretical physics, but his fame rests primarily on his role as originator of the quantum theory. This theory revolutionized human understanding of atomic and subatomic processes, just as Albert Einstein’s theory of relativity revolutionized the understanding of space and time. Together they constitute the fundamental theories of 20th-century physics.
Planck made many contributions to theoretical physics, but his fame rests primarily on his role as originator of the quantum theory. This theory revolutionized human understanding of atomic and subatomic processes, just as Albert Einstein’s theory of relativity revolutionized the understanding of space and time. Together they constitute the fundamental theories of 20th-century physics.
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Displaying 1 - 3 of 3 reviews
March 29, 2025
This series of essays is collected from a set of unrelated lectures. As a result, there is some repetition and a lack of depth. However, a theme of unification in physical theory emerges and holds well enough for the editors and translators give us a view through Planck’s eyes into the state and direction of physics in the ninteen-teens. The book is also filled with aphorisms and quotations any scientist would appreciate.
Physics has progressed from inquiry into the varied sensory experience of touch, vision, exertion, hearing and so on to the use of reason and experiment for the refinement of unified theories separated by technical distinctions. What are these technical distinctions? Planck divides physics between reversibility and irreversibility, the former containing electrodynamics and mechanics, the latter thermodynamics. In the former, the action principle reigns and problems of teleology arise, in the latter, probability reigns and problems of indeterminacy arise. Unfortunately, Planck abandons us at the crux of the difference saying, “In the differential equations of reversible processes the time differential always occurs in even powers only, corresponding to the condition that they are independent of the sign of the time.” (p. 12). Planck has motivated, explained the essence, walked us up to the technical meaning, and held his tongue. The distinction between the senses is obvious to any man, but the distinction between the types of differential equations is not. If I were a Dover editor, I would provide an appendix.
Planck says “Modern theoretical physics gives one the impression of an old and honored building which is falling into decay, with parts tottering one after the other, and its foundation threatening to give way. No conception could be more erroneous than this. Great fundamental changes are, indeed, taking place in the structure of theoretical physics, but closer examination shows that this is not a case of destruction, but one of perfection and extension, that certain blocks of the building are only removed from their place in order to find a firmer and more suitable position” (p. 45). Yet in the closing essay on the quantum revolution, I had the distinct impression that Planck was watching the plundering of the old physics for the new the way a Roman ghost would have watched the medieval quarrying of the colosseum.
Quotations:
“A new truth always has to contend with many difficulties; if it were not so, it would have been discovered much sooner.” (p. 37).
“The best means, indeed, the only means, of coming to a decision lies in a closer investigation of the remarks to which the new ideas lead” (p. 41).
“Physical questions, however, cannot be settled from aesthetic considerations, but only by experiment, and this always involves prosaic, difficult, and patient work.” (p. 43).
“[T]he essence of all statistics is that while it often has the first, it never has the last, word.” (p. 66).
“He is no scientist who is not at least competent and willing to do the lowliest work, if necessary, whether in the laboratory or in the library, in the open air or at the desk.” (p. 55).
“[C]onstancy, independent of all human and intellectual individuality, is what we call reality.“ (p. 24).
“Thought and research are themselves psychological phenomenon in man, and if the object of the investigation is identical with the investigator, he must change continually as his knowledge advances.” (p. 68).
“Self-determinism is given to us by our consciousness, and is not limited by any cause of law, and he who considers it logically reconcilable with absolute determinism in all spheres of philosophy, makes a great mistake of the same nature as … a physiologist would make if he examined himself in order to study the functioning of a muscle in anatomy.” (p. 68).
Physics has progressed from inquiry into the varied sensory experience of touch, vision, exertion, hearing and so on to the use of reason and experiment for the refinement of unified theories separated by technical distinctions. What are these technical distinctions? Planck divides physics between reversibility and irreversibility, the former containing electrodynamics and mechanics, the latter thermodynamics. In the former, the action principle reigns and problems of teleology arise, in the latter, probability reigns and problems of indeterminacy arise. Unfortunately, Planck abandons us at the crux of the difference saying, “In the differential equations of reversible processes the time differential always occurs in even powers only, corresponding to the condition that they are independent of the sign of the time.” (p. 12). Planck has motivated, explained the essence, walked us up to the technical meaning, and held his tongue. The distinction between the senses is obvious to any man, but the distinction between the types of differential equations is not. If I were a Dover editor, I would provide an appendix.
Planck says “Modern theoretical physics gives one the impression of an old and honored building which is falling into decay, with parts tottering one after the other, and its foundation threatening to give way. No conception could be more erroneous than this. Great fundamental changes are, indeed, taking place in the structure of theoretical physics, but closer examination shows that this is not a case of destruction, but one of perfection and extension, that certain blocks of the building are only removed from their place in order to find a firmer and more suitable position” (p. 45). Yet in the closing essay on the quantum revolution, I had the distinct impression that Planck was watching the plundering of the old physics for the new the way a Roman ghost would have watched the medieval quarrying of the colosseum.
Quotations:
“A new truth always has to contend with many difficulties; if it were not so, it would have been discovered much sooner.” (p. 37).
“The best means, indeed, the only means, of coming to a decision lies in a closer investigation of the remarks to which the new ideas lead” (p. 41).
“Physical questions, however, cannot be settled from aesthetic considerations, but only by experiment, and this always involves prosaic, difficult, and patient work.” (p. 43).
“[T]he essence of all statistics is that while it often has the first, it never has the last, word.” (p. 66).
“He is no scientist who is not at least competent and willing to do the lowliest work, if necessary, whether in the laboratory or in the library, in the open air or at the desk.” (p. 55).
“[C]onstancy, independent of all human and intellectual individuality, is what we call reality.“ (p. 24).
“Thought and research are themselves psychological phenomenon in man, and if the object of the investigation is identical with the investigator, he must change continually as his knowledge advances.” (p. 68).
“Self-determinism is given to us by our consciousness, and is not limited by any cause of law, and he who considers it logically reconcilable with absolute determinism in all spheres of philosophy, makes a great mistake of the same nature as … a physiologist would make if he examined himself in order to study the functioning of a muscle in anatomy.” (p. 68).
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February 25, 2010i can't find it anywhere. i have to find first
June 3, 2014
Planck is a paragon of clarity.
Displaying 1 - 3 of 3 reviews