Problems in theoretical physics often lead to paradoxical answers; yet closer reasoning and a more complete analysis invariably lead to the resolution of the paradox and to a deeper understanding of the physics involved. Drawing primarily from his own experience and that of his collaborators, Sir Rudolf Peierls selects examples of such "surprises" from a wide range of physical theory, from quantum mechanical scattering theory to the theory of relativity, from irreversibility in statistical mechanics to the behavior of electrons in solids. By studying such surprises and learning what kind of possibilities to look for, he suggests, scientists may be able to avoid errors in future problems. In some cases the surprise is that the outcome of a calculation is contrary to what physical intuition seems to demand. In other instances an approximation that looks convincing turns out to be unjustified, or one that looks unreasonable turns out to be adequate. Professor Peierls does not suggest, however, that theoretical physics is a hazardous game in which one can never foresee the surprises a detailed calculation might reveal. Rather, he contends, all the surprises discussed have rational explanations, most of which are very simple, at least in principle. This book is based on the author's lectures at the University of Washington in the spring of 1977 and at the Institut de Physique Nucleaire, University de Paris-Sud, Orsay, during the winter of 1977-1978.

About the Author

Sir Rudolf Peierls is Professor of Physics Emeritus at Oxford University.

"About this title" may belong to another edition of this title.

Store Description

Labyrinth is an acclaimed independent bookstore serving the students and faculty of Princeton University as well as the town of Princeton and beyond. As the official bookstore for Princeton University, our independent store specializes in academic books for scholars, and we can always be relied upon to provide those books that form the backbone of current debates both inside and outside of the universities. We also carry books of broad and general interest: contemporary and classic literature, poetry, current events, history, philosophy, theology, cookbooks, comics, and books for children. We offer a large selection of constantly-changing inventory, daily sales and deep discounts on most books, used and antiquarian titles.

Visit Seller's Storefront

Seller's business information

Great Jones Books, Inc.
27 Route 31 South, Pennington, NJ, 08534, U.S.A.

Sale & Shipping Terms

Terms of Sale

Purchase will be shipped upon receipt of payment including any additional shipping costs. NJ residents add appropriate sales tax. If you are dissatisfied (Incorrect Item/Not as Described/Damaged) or if the order has not arrived by the latest estimated delivery date, you maybe be eligible for a refund within 30 days of the estimated delivery date. Please contact us for any other return inquiries, and we will respond within 2 business days.

Right of cancellation

If you are a consumer you can cancel the contract in accordance with the following. Consumer means any natural person who is acting for purposes which are outside his trade, business, craft or profession.

INFORMATION REGARDING THE RIGHT OF CANCELLATION

Statutory Right to cancel

You have the right to cancel this contract within 14 days without giving any reason.

The cancellation period will expire after 14 days from the day on which you acquire, or a third party other than the carrier and indicated by you acquires, physical possession of the the last good or the last lot or piece.

To exercise the right to cancel, you must inform us, Labyrinth Books, 122 Nassau St, 08542, Princeton, New Jersey, U.S.A., +1 (609) 737-4171 111, of your decision to cancel this contract by a clear statement (e.g. a letter sent by post, fax or e-mail). You may use the attached model cancellation form, but it is not obligatory. You can also electronically fill in and submit a clear statement on our website, under "My Purchases" in "My Account". If you use this option, we will communicate to you an acknowledgement of receipt of such a cancellation on a durable medium (e.g. by e-mail) without delay.

To meet the cancellation deadline, it is sufficient for you to send your communication concerning your exercise of the right to cancel before the cancellation period has expired.

Effects of cancellation

If you cancel this contract, we will reimburse to you all payments received from you, including the costs of delivery (except for the supplementary costs arising if you chose a type of delivery other than the least expensive type of standard delivery offered by us).

We may make a deduction from the reimbursement for loss in value of any goods supplied, if the loss is the result of unnecessary handling by you.

We will make the reimbursement without undue delay, and not later than 14 days after the day on which we are informed about your decision to cancel with contract.

We will make the reimbursement using the same means of payment as you used for the initial transaction, unless you have expressly agreed otherwise; in any event, you will not incur any fees as a result of such reimbursement.

We may withhold reimbursement until we have received the goods back or you have supplied evidence of having sent back the goods, whichever is the earliest.

You shall send back the goods or hand them over to us or Labyrinth Books, 27 Rt 31 S, 08534, Pennington, New Jersey, U.S.A., +1 (609) 737-4171 111, without undue delay and in any event not later than 14 days from the day on which you communicate your cancellation from this contract to us. The deadline is met if you send back the goods before the period of 14 days has expired. You will have to bear the direct cost of returning the goods. You are only liable for any diminished value of the goods resulting from the handling other than what is necessary to establish the nature, characteristics and functioning of the goods.

Exceptions to the right of cancellation

The right of cancellation does not apply to:

the delivery of newspapers, journals or magazines with the exception of subscription contracts; and
the supply of digital content which is not supplied on a tangible medium (e.g. on a CD or DVD) if you accepted when you placed your order that we could start to deliver it, and that you could not cancel it once delivery had started.

Model withdrawal form

(complete and return this form only if you wish to withdraw from the contract)

To: (Labyrinth Books, 122 Nassau St, 08542, Princeton, New Jersey, U.S.A., +1 (609) 737-4171 111)

I/We (*) hereby give notice that I/We (*) withdraw from my/our (*) contract of sale of the following goods (*)/for the provision of the following goods (*)/for the provision of the following service (*),

Ordered on (*)/received on (*)

Name of consumer(s)

Address of consumer(s)

Signature of consumer(s) (only if this form is notified on paper)

Date

* Delete as appropriate.

Shipping Terms

Orders usually ship within 2 business days. Shipping costs are based on books weighing 2.2 lbs or less, or 1 kg. Heavy or oversized books may require additional shipping charges.

Domestic shipping: Under 2.2 lbs
Media Mail $4.00 per book + $1.00 for each additional book
Priority Mail $7.00 per book + $3.00 for each additional book

Standard Shipping orders will be delivered via UPS Ground and USPS Media Mail, typically 2-5 business days for in-stock items. In-stock items will generally ship by the next business day.

Please note: While the overwhelming majority of packages shipped via USPS Media Mail arrive within the time specified above, in rare cases shipments can take up to 3 to 5 weeks to arrive. Media Mail shipments to Alaska, Hawaii, Guam, Puerto Rico and APO/FPO addresses can take up 3 to 8 weeks to arrive.

Shipping rates within U.S.A.

Shipping rates within U.S.A.
Order quantity	4 to 8 business days	2 to 5 business days
First item	� 3.37	� 9.75

Delivery times are set by sellers and vary by carrier and location. Orders passing through Customs may face delays and buyers are responsible for any associated duties or fees. Sellers may contact you regarding additional charges to cover any increased costs to ship your items.