L’Évolution des idées en physique.
Paris, Flammarion, coll. « Bibliothèque de philosophie scientifique », (November) 1938.
1 vol. (175 x 190 mm) of 298 p. and [2] f. In wrappers, with full margins, uncut.
First French edition, in the translation by Maurice Solovine.
One of the first 20 copies on vélin de Rives (no. 2), the only paper issue.
One of the first 20 copies on vélin de Rives (no. 2), the only paper issue.
This fundamental work, subtitled Des premiers concepts aux théories de la relativité et des quanta (From Early Concepts to the Theories of Relativity and Quanta), is the first to synthesize and reflect on this theory, still in its infancy at the time. Einstein also offers a clarification of the scientist’s craft: the researcher is not a passive being who merely records what experience dictates, but “a creator, a being who exercises his intelligence to solve the riddles posed to him by the external world.” On this point, he even compares his own activity, in the book (p. 8), to that of Sherlock Holmes!
Rare on deluxe paper.
A fine copy, with full margins.
#29115
Back