Description

The Contents of the book are as follows

PART I

The Special Theory of Relativity

I. Physical Meaning of Geometrical Propositions

II. The System of Co-ordinates

III. Space and Time in Classical Mechanics

IV. The Galileian System of Co-ordinates

V. The Principle of Relativity (In the Restricted Sense)

VI. The Theorem of the Addition of Velocities employed in Classical Mechanics

VII. The Apparent Incompatibility of the Law of Propagation of Light with the Principle of Relativity

VIII. On the Idea of Time in Physics

IX. The Relativity of Simultaneity

X. On the Relativity of the Conception of Distance

XI. The Lorentz Transformation

XII. The Behaviour of Measuring-Rods and Clocks in Motion

XIII. Theorem of the Addition of Velocities. The Experiment of Fizeau

XIV. The Heuristic Value of the Theory of Relativity

XV. General Results of the Theory

XVI. Experience and the Special Theory of Relativity

XVII. Minkowski's Four-dimensional Space

PART II

The General Theory of Relativity

XVIII. Special and General Principle of Relativity

XIX. The Gravitational Field

XX. The Equality of Inertial and Gravitational Mass as an Argument for the General Postulate of Relativity XXI. In what Respects are the Foundations of Classical Mechanics and of the Special Theory of Relativity unsatisfactory?

XXII. A Few Inferences from the General Principle of Relativity

XXIII. Behaviour of Clocks and Measuring-Rods on a Rotating Body of Reference

XXIV. Euclidean and Non-Euclidean Continuum

XXV. Gaussian Co-ordinates

XXVI. The Space-Time Continuum of the Special Theory of Relativity considered as a Euclidean Continuum

XXVII. The Space-Time Continuum of the General Theory of Relativity is not a Euclidean Continuum

XXVIII. Exact Formulation of the General Principle of Relativity

XXIX. The Solution of the Problem of Gravitation on the Basis of the General Principle of Relativity

PART III

Considerations on the Universe as a Whole

XXX. Cosmological Difficulties of Newton's Theory

XXXI. The Possibility of a "Finite" and yet "Unbounded" Universe

XXXII. The Structure of Space according to the General Theory of Relativity

APPENDICES

I. Simple Derivation of the Lorentz Transformation

Supplementary to Section XI]

II. Minkowski's Four-dimensional Space ("World")

Supplementary to Section XVII]

III. The Experimental Confirmation of the General Theory of

Relativity

(a) Motion of the Perihelion of Mercury

(b) Deflection of Light by a Gravitational Field

(c) Displacement of Spectral Lines towards the Red

Bibliography

Index