Scientific Papers: Volume 6: 1911-1919 (Cambridge Library Collection - Mathematics) - Softcover

Rayleigh, Baron John William Strutt

Softcover

ISBN 10: 1108005470 ISBN 13: 9781108005470

Publisher: Cambridge University Press, 2010

Synopsis

This final volume of papers by Lord Rayleigh covers the period from 1911 to his death in 1919. The first of the Solvay Conferences in 1911 played a key role in the foundation of quantum theory. Although invited, Rayleigh did not attend. His principal achievements lay in development and consolidation across classical physics, in which he continued to work. In a 1917 paper, he used electromagnetic theory to derive a formula for expressing the reflection properties from a regularly stratified medium. In 1919, he investigated the iridescent colours of birds and insects. Rayleigh continued his long-standing participation in the Society for Psychical Research, founded in 1882 for the study of 'debatable phenomena'. One of his last publications was his presidential address to that society, which considers several highly unorthodox views and practices. He concludes by asserting the importance to scientists of maintaining open minds in the pursuit of truth.

About this title

Book Description

Nobel laureate Lord Rayleigh was justifiably renowned for the clarity and quality of his work, which has had a continuing impact on modern science. This, the last of six chronological volumes of his most important scientific papers, covers 1911–1919, and shows his tireless fascination with the natural world.

Edition details

• Publisher: Cambridge University Press
• Publication date: 2010
• Language: English
• ISBN 10: 1108005470
• ISBN 13: 9781108005470
• Binding: Paperback
• Edition number: 1
• Number of pages: 740