Abstract
DR. J. W. MELLOR, in his “Chemical Statics and Dynamics,” p. 19, gives the following as the four stages of a physical theory:—hypothesis, differential equation, integration, observation. While this sequence is well illustrated in the study of dynamical phenomena, these, after all, constitute but a small proportion of the large number of effects in which changes are brought about by the action of definite causes. This book, while not containing any very novel and striking features, puts matters in a somewhat fresh light by giving prominence to the more philosophical aspect of the equations of mathematical physics and allied branches of science. Thus the motions determined by a constant force, a positive, and a negative force varying as the distance, are all characterised by different known forms of the integrals of the equations of motion. If in any phenomenon the changes which occur can be represented by equations of the form of one of these integrals, then conversely the relation between cause and effect may be of the same form as the corresponding law of force. The mathematical portion of the book is comparatively simple, and about the hardest problem considered is that of forced oscillations in a resisting medium. The book appears suitable for placing in the hands of such science students as have not the time to pursue an extended course in mathematics, as they would doubtless get many hints from its perusal. It may be doubted whether much is gained by the inclusion of physiological problems, such as the action of bacteria, in the present discussion, or whether such problems can indeed be adequately treated without introducing statistical considerations. But there are many cases where, even if the analogy be not exact, it is more easy to picture the progress of phenomena by associating them with dynamical or other analogues, and the book will be useful if it teaches students to think in this way.
La Mécanique des Phénomènes fondée sur les Analogies.
By M. M. Petrovitch (Belgrade). “Scientia” Phys.—Math. Series, No. 27. Pp. 96. (Paris: Gauthier-Villars, 1906.) Price 2 francs.
Article PDF
Rights and permissions
About this article
Cite this article
La Mécanique des Phénomènes fondée sur les Analogies . Nature 75, 533 (1907). https://doi.org/10.1038/075533a0
Issue Date:
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1038/075533a0