Das Prinzip der Relativität und die Grundgleichungen der Mechanik.

£25,000 · Offered by Shapero Rare Books

the first response to einstein's relativity The rare first edition, author's offprint, of the first public response to Einstein's special relativity. From the library of physicist Arnold Sommerfeld. This offprint is exceptionally rare, with no other copies appearing in auction records. When Einstein's first paper on relativity was published in the Annalen der Physik in June, 1905, it initially attracted little notice. As his sister wrote in her biographical sketch, 'The young scholar imagined that his publication in the renowned and much-read journal would draw immediate attention. He expected sharp opposition and the severest criticism. But he was very disappointed. His publication was followed by an icy silence. The next few issues of the journal did not mention his paper at all. The professional circles took an attitude of wait and see. Some time after the appearance of the paper, Albert Einstein received a letter from Berlin. It was sent by the well-known Professor Planck, who asked for clarification of some points which were obscure to him. After the long wait this was the first sign that his paper had been read at all. The joy of the young scientist was especially great because the recognition of his activities came from one of the greatest physicists of that time' (Pais, Subtle is the Lord, pp. 149-150). 'The rapidity with which special relativity became a topic of discussion and research is largely due to Planck's early interest. In his scientific autobiography, Planc

• Binding: Hardcover

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