Archimedes or the Future of Physics
 | |
| Author | Lancelot Law Whyte |
|---|---|
| Language | English |
| Subject | Future of physics, philosophy of science |
| Published | 1928 |
| Publisher | Kegan Paul |
Archimedes, or the Future of Physics is a 1928 book by the physicist and philosopher Lancelot Law Whyte, published in the "To-day and To-morrow" series (Kegan Paul).
Overview
In this short, speculative essay Whyte reflects on the direction of twentieth-century physics. He observes that each of the two great new theories was built around a fundamental constant of nature — the velocity of light c in relativity and Planck's constant h in quantum theory — and predicts that the next great advance will be associated with a new fundamental constant connected with the flow of time. He also offers the prophetic suggestion that "in order to straighten out its atomic problems physics will have to take a hint from biology."
About the author
Lancelot Law Whyte (1896–1972) was a Scottish theoretical physicist, philosopher, historian of science, and financier, known for his idea of "unitary" thought and for his writings on the history and future of science and on the concept of the unconscious.
Publication details
- Author: Lancelot Law Whyte
- Publisher: Kegan Paul ("To-day and To-morrow" series)
- Published: 1928
Links to Purchase Book
- Archimedes or the Future of Physics (Amazon)