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Space-Time
Jean-Paul Auffray
About the Book
Jean-Paul Auffray's book offers an authoritative popularisation of space-time concepts that revolutionised physics at the beginning of the 20th century. Combining scientific rigor and pedagogical clarity, the author unveils the mysteries of special and general relativity.
This book is aimed at both physics students and curious minds passionate about the big questions of the universe. It explains how space and time, once viewed as separate and absolute entities, were united into a single mathematical structure.
“Special relativity rests on two fundamental postulates that have extraordinary consequences: space and time are not absolute, independent entities, but form a four-dimensional continuum called space-time.
To establish this new view mathematically, it was necessary to develop the Lorentz transformations. These equations show that time dilates and lengths contract for an observer in relative motion. The Lorentz factor, γ = 1/√(1 - v²/c²), appears in all these transformations and plays a central role.
These mathematical calculations, of formidable complexity, required exceptional mastery of mathematical analysis and geometry. Each step had to be checked with absolute rigor, because the slightest error in these long chains of reasoning could invalidate the entire theory.”
Jean-Paul Auffray, L'Espace-Temps, p. 45-47The Connection to Mileva Einstein
How this work sheds light on Mileva's contributions.
Complex Mathematics
Auffray's book highlights the mathematical complexity behind special relativity. Lorentz transformations, tensor calculations, and differential equations required exceptional mastery of mathematics—a field in which Mileva excelled.
Collaborative Context
Auffray describes the scientific context of the early 20th century, where collaboration among physicists was common. This historical background helps to understand the working dynamics between Albert and Mileva.
Verification of Calculations
The book presents the many calculation steps that led to the final equations of relativity. Mileva herself stated, "I checked all the mathematical calculations." By understanding the depth of these calculations through Auffray's book, one can appreciate the importance of this contribution.