Product Description
“No one interested in the history of optics, the history of eighteenth- and nineteenth-century physics, or the general phenomenon of theory change in science can afford to ignore Jed Buchwald’s well-structured, highly detailed, and scrupulously researched book. . . . Buchwald’s analysis will surely constitute the essential starting point for further work on this important and hitherto relatively neglected episode of theory change.”—John Worrall, Isis… More >>
The Rise of the Wave Theory of Light: Optical Theory and Experiment in the Early Nineteenth Century
Tags: jed buchwald, john worrall, nineteenth century, optical theory, optics, phenomenon, physics, science, theory change, wave theory
#1 by Shan Prabhu on July 1, 2010 - 9:48 am
There is no doubt that Jed Buchwald has excellent comand over his area of expertise. This work provides enourmous insight to the realms of wave theory and its history, sometimes even reading more like poetry than scientific prose. However, there are sections that tend to overcompound ideas, resulting in reduced clarity. The previous reviewer was correct in noting the hefty pricetag, but despite its shortcomings (which are few but noticeable), this work should not be overlooked, and I would recommend it to both students and academics with any interest in this topic.
Rating: 4 / 5
#2 by Anonymous on July 1, 2010 - 12:30 pm
A decent foray into the world of optics. I heartily recommend this book, though it is not worth the hefty cover price. [...]
Rating: 3 / 5