RELATIVITY The Special and General Theory
Albert Einstein Translated by Robert W. Lawson Introduction by Roger Penrose Commentary by Robert Geroch with a Historical Essay by David C. Cassidy The Masterpiece Science Edition
Pi Press New York
PI PRESS An imprint of Pearson Education, Inc. 1185 Avenue of the Americas, New York, New York 10036 Commentary and Historical Essay © 2005 by Pearson Education, Inc. Introduction © by Roger Penrose 2004, 2005 Original version of Roger Penrose’s Introduction first published by The Folio Society Ltd in 2004. Reprinted by arrangement with The Folio Society Ltd. Pi Press offers discounts for bulk purchases. For more information, please contact U.S. Corporate and Government Sales, 1-800-382-3419,
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CONTENTS
Introduction by Roger Penrose Note on the Text
ix xxvii
Relativity: The Special and General Theory
1
Preface
3
PART I THE SPECIAL THEORY OF RELATIVITY 1. Physical Meaning of Geometrical Propositions
5
2. The System of Co-ordinates
9
3. Space and Time in Classical Mechanics
13
4. The Galileian System of Co-ordinates
16
5. The Principle of Relativity (In the Restricted Sense)
18
6. The Theorem of the Addition of Velocities Employed in Classical Mechanics
23
7. The Apparent Incompatibility of the Law of Propagation of Light with the Principle of Relativity
25
8. On the Idea of Time in Physics
29
9. The Relativity of Simultaneity
34
10. On the Relativity of the Conception of Distance
38
vi
RELATIVITY
11. The Lorentz Transformation
40
12. The Behaviour of Measuring-Rods and Clocks in Motion
47
13. Theorem of the Addition of Velocities. The Experiment of Fizeau
51
14. The Heuristic Value of the Theory of Relativity
56
15. General Results of the Theory
58
16. Experience and the Special Theory of Relativity
65
17. Minkowski’s Four-Dimensional Space
72
PART II THE GENERAL THEORY OF RELATIVITY 18. Special and General Principle of Relativity
77
19. The Gravitational Field
82
20. The Equality of Inertial and Gravitational Mass as an Argument for the General Postulate of Relativity
86
21. In What Respects Are the Foundations of Classical Mechanics and of the Special Theory of Relativity Unsatisfactory?
92
22. A Few Inferences from the General Principle of Relativity
95
23. Behaviour of Clocks and Measuring-Rods on a Rotating Body of Reference
101
24. Euclidean and Non-Euclidean Continuum
106
25. Gaussian Co-ordinates
111
Contents
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