Concepts of Space : The History of Theories of Space in Physics: Third, Enlarged Edition

cited in Fr. Warkulwiz's *Universe without Space & Time* Although the concept of space is of fundamental importance in both physics and philosophy, until the publication of this book, the idea of space had never been treated in terms of its historical development. It remained for Dr. Jammer, noted scholar and historian of science, to trace the evolution of the idea of space in this comprehensive, thought-provoking study. The focus of the book is on physical, rather than metaphysical, ideas of space; however, philosophical or theological speculations are discussed when relevant. The author has also given special attention to the cultural settings in which the theories developed. Following a Foreword by Albert Einstein and an introductory chapter on the concept of space in antiquity, subsequent chapters consider Judaeo-Christian ideas about space, the emancipation of the space concept from Aristotelianism, Newton's concept of absolute space and the concept of space from the eighteenth century to the present. For this third edition, Dr. Jammer has contributed an extensive new chapter six, reviewing the numerous and profound changes in the philosophy of space since the publication of the second edition. An abundance of meticulously documented quotations from original sources and numerous bibliographic references make this an exceptionally well-documented book. It is essential reading for philosophers, physicists, and mathematicians, but even nonprofessional readers will find it accessible. Foreword / Albert Einstein -- 1. The Concept Of Space In Antiquity -- 2. Judeo-christian Ideas About Space -- 3. The Emancipation Of The Space Concept From Aristotelianism -- 4. The Concept Of Absolute Space -- 5. The Concept Of Space In Modern Science -- 6. Recent Developments In The Philosophy Of Physical Space. Max Jammer ; Foreword By Albert Einstein. This Dover Edition ... Is An Unabridged, Enlarged Republication Of The Work First Published In 1954 (first Edition) And 1969 (second Edition) By The Harvard University Press, Cambridge, Massachusetts. For This Edition The Author Has Written A New Preface And An Entirely New Chapter (chapter 6)--t.p. Verso. Includes Bibliographical References And Index. Historical surveys of the concept of space consider Judeo-Christian ideas, Newtonian absolute space, perceptions from 18th century to the present, and more. This scholarly work features numerous original quotations and bibliographical references, including original-language excerpts and translations from ancient Greek, German, French, and Russian. Einstein's Foreword adds immense value. "Admirably compact and swiftly paced style."--Philosophy of Science. Historical surveys of the concept of space consider Judeo-Christian ideas, Newtonian absolute space, perceptions from 18th century to the present, and more. This scholarly work features numerous original quotations and bibliographical references, including original-language excerpts and translations from ancient Greek, German, French, and Russian. Einstein's Foreword adds immense value. Admirably compact and swiftly paced style.? Philosophy of Science