|
Preface |
ix |
Part I |
The Special Theory of Relativity |
|
1 |
Physical Meaning of Geometrical Propositions |
3 |
2 |
The System of Co-ordinates |
6 |
3 |
Space and Time in Classical Mechanics |
10 |
4 |
The Galileian System of Co-ordinates |
12 |
5 |
The Principle of Relativity (in the Restricted Sense) |
14 |
6 |
The Theorem of the Addition of Velocities Employed in Classical Mechanics |
18 |
7 |
The Apparent Incompatibility of the Law of Propagation of Light with the Principle of Relativity |
20 |
8 |
On the Idea of Time in Physics |
23 |
9 |
The Relativity of Simultaneity |
27 |
10 |
On the Relativity of the Conception of Distance |
30 |
11 |
The Lorentz Transformation |
32 |
12 |
The Behaviour of Measuring-Rods and Clocks in Motion |
37 |
13 |
Theorem of the Addition of Velocities. The Experiment of Fizeau |
40 |
14 |
The Heuristic Value of the Theory of Relativity |
44 |
15 |
General Results of the Theory |
46 |
16 |
Experience and the Special Theory of Relativity |
51 |
17 |
Minkowski's Four-dimensional Space |
56 |
Part II |
The General Theory of Relativity |
|
18 |
Special and General Principle of Relativity |
61 |
19 |
The Gravitational Field |
65 |
20 |
The Equality of Inertial and Gravitational Mass as an Argument for the General Postulate of Relativity |
68 |
21 |
In what Respects are the Foundations of Classical Mechanics and of the Special Theory of Relativity Unsatisfactory? |
72 |
22 |
A Few Inferences from the General Principle of Relativity |
75 |
23 |
Behaviour of Clocks and Measuring-Rods on a Rotating Body of Reference |
79 |
24 |
Euclidean and non-Euclidean Continuum |
83 |
25 |
Gaussian Co-ordinates |
87 |
26 |
The Space-Time Continuum of the Special Theory of Relativity Considered as a Euclidean Continuum |
91 |
27 |
The Space-Time Continuum of the General Theory of Relativity is not a Euclidean Continuum |
94 |
28 |
Exact Formulation of the General Principle of Relativity |
97 |
29 |
The Solution of the Problem of Gravitation on the Basis of the General Principle of Relativity |
100 |
Part III |
Considerations on the Universe as a Whole |
|
30 |
Cosmological Difficulties of Newton's Theory |
107 |
31 |
The Possibility of a "Finite" and yet "Unbounded" Universe |
110 |
32 |
The Structure of Space according to the General Theory of Relativity |
115 |
|
Appendices |
|
1 |
Simple Derivation of the Lorentz Transformation [Supplementary to Section 11] |
117 |
2 |
Minkowski's Four-dimensional Space ("World") [Supplementary to Section 17] |
124 |
3 |
The Experimental Confirmation of the General Theory of Relativity |
126 |
(a) |
Motion of the Perihelion of Mercury |
127 |
(b) |
Deflection of Light by a Gravitational Field |
129 |
(c) |
Displacement of Spectral Lines towards the Red |
132 |
4 |
The Structure of Space according to the General Theory of Relativity [Supplementary to Section 32] |
136 |
5 |
Relativity and the Problem of Space |
139 |
|
Bibliography |
159 |
|
Index |
161 |