The book emphasizes the importance of modern differential geometry in theoretical physics, reflecting its growing relevance over the past decade. The author maintains the original mathematical language while correcting errors and adding a section on gauge theories, which are crucial for understanding fundamental interactions. Although developments in Kaluza-Klein theories and cosmology are noted, the author refrains from including them to avoid unproven speculations. Acknowledgments are given to contributors for their input and assistance in improving the work.
The last decade has seen a considerable renaissance in the realm of classical dynamical systems, and many things that may have appeared mathematically overly sophisticated at the time of the first appearance of this textbook have since become the everyday tools of working physicists. This new edition is intended to take this development into account. I have also tried to make the book more readable and to eradicate errors. Since the first edition already contained plenty of material for a one semester course, new material was added only when some of the original could be dropped or simplified. Even so, it was necessary to expand the chap ter with the proof of the K-A-M Theorem to make allowances for the cur rent trend in physics. This involved not only the use of more refined mathe matical tools, but also a reevaluation of the word "fundamental. " What was earlier dismissed as a grubby calculation is now seen as the consequence of a deep principle. Even Kepler's laws, which determine the radii of the planetary orbits, and which used to be passed over in silence as mystical nonsense, seem to point the way to a truth unattainable by superficial The ratios of the radii of Platonic solids to the radii of inscribed Platonic solids are irrational, but satisfy algebraic equations of lower order.
Surviving the Nazi occupation, Walter Thirring reflects on his life as a physicist intertwined with the major scientific breakthroughs of the 20th century. His narrative includes encounters with luminaries like Einstein and Heisenberg, as well as collaborations with contemporary scientists. Thirring elucidates the shift from classical physics to quantum mechanics in accessible language, drawing from his rich teaching experience. His autobiography also touches on his wartime experiences, the pursuit of scientific excellence, and a deep love for music, making it a compelling read for science and history enthusiasts.
This edition combines the earlier two volumes on Quantum Mechanics of Atoms and Molecules and on Quantum Mechanics of Large Systems, thus including in a single volume the material for a two-semester course on quantum physics. Since this volume is already quite heavy, I could not include many new results which show how lively the subject is. I just want to mention that inequality (IV:4. 1. l. 1) has been sharpened by T. Weidl by a factor 2][ and the difficult problem 1 of (III:4. 6) has been solved by A. Martin. I have to thank N. Ilieva for the devotion in preparing this new edition. Vienna, November 2001 Walter Thirring Preface to the Second Edition: Quantum Mechanics of Atoms and Molecules Ever since the first edition of this volume appeared in 1980 quantum statistical mechanics has florished. Innumerable results in many areas have been obtained and it would require a series of volumes to do justice to all of them. On the other hand the first edition was already rather crowded with many details so it would not be overburdened any more. Thus I added only one chapter on quantum ergodic theory where one can get the main notions across without too much pain. Nevertheless many subjects treated in the book had splendidely developed ever since and the only way out I could see is to add some recent references which the interested reader can consult.
This volume combines the enlarged and corrected editions of both volumes on classical physics of Thirring's famous course in mathematical physics. With numerous examples and remarks accompanying the text, it is suitable as a textbook for students in physics, mathematics, and applied mathematics.
Focusing on the principles of statistical mechanics, this final volume challenges traditional approaches by discarding outdated methodologies. The author critiques the limitations of conventional perturbation theory, emphasizing its lack of substantive results and convergence issues. Instead, the book advocates for establishing sharp bounds on quantities of interest, acknowledging the inherent complexities of nontrivial problems. This unique perspective sets it apart from typical texts in the field, aiming for a clearer understanding of the subject's fundamental concepts.
Das Buch von W. Thirring bietet eine umfassende Einführung in die mathematische Physik, geeignet für Studierende und Fachleute. Es kombiniert klare Erklärungen mit zahlreichen Illustrationen und praxisbezogenen Beispielen. Die moderne Differentialgeometrie wird integriert, um die aktuellen Anforderungen der theoretischen Physik zu erfüllen.
Ist die Spezielle Relativitätstheorie nur etwas für mathematisch begabte Köpfe? Keineswegs, jeder kann sie verstehen, und das sogar ganz ohne Arithmetik oder Formeln! Lediglich Bilder und Diagramme reichen für eine Erklärung aus. Wer dieses Buch liest, kann sich selbst davon überzeugen: Die Autoren führen mit Geist und Witz so etwas wie das große Welttheater der Physik vor: Ob höhere Wesen wie Erzengel oder ganz irdische Genies mit wissenschaftlichen Ambitionen, sie alle ergründen die Rätsel von Raum und Zeit und bringen Einsteins Erkenntnisse in spielerischer Form einem interessierten Laienpublikum nahe. Dabei wird nicht an Illustrationen und spannenden Anekdoten über bedeutende Persönlichkeiten der Physik gespart, und wer sich die Formeln gar nicht abgewöhnen will, für den gibt es einen verformelten Anhang, der auch den anspruchsvollen Wissensdurst stillen wird.
