The Principle of Relativity is a tough read of a concept that is difficult to grasp. I had the benefit of help and insights from my classmates over thThe Principle of Relativity is a tough read of a concept that is difficult to grasp. I had the benefit of help and insights from my classmates over the few months we wrestled with Einstein. I admit I experienced several false 'Aha!' moments along the way. Eventually I did manage to successfully conceptualize the fundamentals of the theory before my class moved on, but I had to revisit Einstein's work several times on my own to gain a deeper and more useful understanding of relativity....more
First, A Clarification: The publication I have is the hardcover revision by Florian Cajori of Andrew Motte's 1729 English translation, copyrighted in First, A Clarification: The publication I have is the hardcover revision by Florian Cajori of Andrew Motte's 1729 English translation, copyrighted in 1934 by the Regents of the University of California, and published by UC Berkeley and UCLA Press.
I should also note that, although I have read Newton's Principia several times over several years and for various reasons, I doubt I have ever completed the whole book. To do so would be advisable only under limited circumstances.
For whatever reason, Newton did not meticulously document his propositions. Hence, the Principia requires its reading audience to do a fairly significant amount of sleuthing to reach a workable grasp of just one proposition. Once completed, congratulate yourself. You have extracted the ten or twenty steps needed to prove a proposition. Now you can confidently advance to the next proposition--on page two.
Yes, it's true that Newton's Principia changed the world, and is undoubtedly near or at the top of the greatest work ever. Unfortunately, few will directly experience its unvarnished power. Regardless, the endeavor to undertake the challenge is highly recommended and greatly rewarding. Good luck!!...more
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