EINSTEIN, Albert (1879-1955). "Über einen die Erzeugung und Verwandlung des Lichtes betreffenden heuristischen Gesichtspunkt." -- "Über die von der molekularkinetischen Theorie der Wärme geforderte Bewegung von in ruhenden Flüssigkeiten suspendierten Teilchen." -- "Zur Elektrodynamik bewegter Körper." Three articles in: Annalen der Physik, 4. Folge, Band. 17, 1905, pp. 132-148, 549-560, 891-921. Leipzig: Johann Ambrosius Barth, 1905. FIRST EDITIONS.
Sale 714 - Library of a Midwestern Collector
Nov 5, 2019
10:00AM CT
Live / Chicago
Estimate
$5,000 -
$7,000
Sold for $7,500
Sold prices are inclusive of Buyer’s Premium
Lot Description
EINSTEIN, Albert (1879-1955). "Über einen die Erzeugung und Verwandlung des Lichtes betreffenden heuristischen Gesichtspunkt." -- "Über die von der molekularkinetischen Theorie der Wärme geforderte Bewegung von in ruhenden Flüssigkeiten suspendierten Teilchen." -- "Zur Elektrodynamik bewegter Körper." Three articles in: Annalen der Physik, 4. Folge, Band. 17, 1905, pp. 132-148, 549-560, 891-921. Leipzig: Johann Ambrosius Barth, 1905.
8vo. Line-block and halftone text illustrations, one folding line-block table, 3 halftone plates, one collotype plate. Contemporary German quarter cloth (slightly shaken in binding); quarter morocco folding case. Provenance: H. W. Morse (stamp on front free endpaper); Joseph Henry Apple Library, Hood College, MD (gift bookplate from Richard C. McCurdy and stamps on text block edges).
FIRST EDITIONS, journal issues, of three important early papers by Einstein. In the first paper, "Einstein suggested that light be considered a collection of independent particles of energy, which he called 'light quanta.' Such a hypothesis, he argued, would provide an answer to the problem of black-body radiation where classical theories had failed, and would also explain several puzzling properties of fluorescence, photoionization and the photoelectric effect" (Norman). It was for this paper, together with one on the photoelectric effect ("Zur Theorie der Lichterzeugung und Lichtabsorption"), published in 1906, that Einstein was awarded the Nobel Prize in Physics in 1921. Norman 689; Weil 6.
The second paper proved, according to Einstein himself, that "according to the molecular theory of heat, bodies of dimensions of the order of 1/1000 mm. suspended in liquid experience apparent random movement due to the thermal motion of molecules. Such movement of suspended bodies has actually been observed by biologists who call it Brownian molecular movement" (quoted by R. W. Clark, Einstein, New York, 1984, p. 87). Experimental verification of the predictions made in this paper contributed to proving the physical reality of molecules. Norman 690; Weil 8.
The third paper, on the electrodynamics of moving bodies, was Einstein's first statement of the special theory of relativity. In it he argued that all motion is relative to the inertial system in which it is measured, and that matter and energy are equivalent. As he himself remarked, "it modifies the theory of space and time" (quoted by Clark, p. 87). Dibner Heralds of Science 167; Grolier/Horblit 26b; Norman 691A; Weil 9.
Condition Report
The physical condition of lots in our auctions can vary due to
age, normal wear and tear, previous damage, and
restoration/repair. All lots are sold "AS IS," in the condition
they are in at the time of the auction, and we and the seller make
no representation or warranty and assume no liability of any kind
as to a lot's condition. Any reference to condition in a catalogue
description or a condition report shall not amount to a full
accounting of condition. Condition reports prepared by Hindman
staff are provided as a convenience and may be requested from the
Department prior to bidding.
The absence of a posted condition report on the Hindman website or
in our catalogues should not be interpreted as commentary on an
item's condition. Prospective buyers are responsible for
inspecting a lot or sending their agent or conservator to inspect
the lot on their behalf, and for ensuring that they have
requested, received and understood any condition report provided
by Hindman.
Please email conditionreports@hindmanauctions.com for any additional information or questions you may have regarding this lot.