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Masters of Theory: Cambridge and the Rise of Mathematical Physics
Winner of the the Susan Elizabeth Abrams Prize in History of Science.
When Isaac Newton published the Principia three centuries ago, only a few scholars were capable of understanding his conceptually demanding work. Yet this esoteric knowledge quickly became accessible in the nineteenth and early twentieth centuries when Britain produced many leading mathematical physicists. In this book, Andrew Warwick shows how the education of these "masters of theory" led them to transform our understanding of everything from the flight of a boomerang to the structure of the universe.
Warwick focuses on Cambridge University, where many of the best physicists trained. He begins by tracing the dramatic changes in undergraduate education there since the eighteenth century, especially the gradual emergence of the private tutor as the most important teacher of mathematics. Next he explores the material culture of mathematics instruction, showing how the humble pen and paper so crucial to this study transformed everything from classroom teaching to final examinations. Balancing their intense intellectual work with strenuous physical exercise, the students themselves—known as the "Wranglers"—helped foster the competitive spirit that drove them in the classroom and informed the Victorian ideal of a manly student. Finally, by investigating several historical "cases," such as the reception of Albert Einstein's special and general theories of relativity, Warwick shows how the production, transmission, and reception of new knowledge was profoundly shaped by the skills taught to Cambridge undergraduates.
Drawing on a wealth of new archival evidence and illustrations, Masters of Theory examines the origins of a cultural tradition within which the complex world of theoretical physics was made commonplace.
When Isaac Newton published the Principia three centuries ago, only a few scholars were capable of understanding his conceptually demanding work. Yet this esoteric knowledge quickly became accessible in the nineteenth and early twentieth centuries when Britain produced many leading mathematical physicists. In this book, Andrew Warwick shows how the education of these "masters of theory" led them to transform our understanding of everything from the flight of a boomerang to the structure of the universe.
Warwick focuses on Cambridge University, where many of the best physicists trained. He begins by tracing the dramatic changes in undergraduate education there since the eighteenth century, especially the gradual emergence of the private tutor as the most important teacher of mathematics. Next he explores the material culture of mathematics instruction, showing how the humble pen and paper so crucial to this study transformed everything from classroom teaching to final examinations. Balancing their intense intellectual work with strenuous physical exercise, the students themselves—known as the "Wranglers"—helped foster the competitive spirit that drove them in the classroom and informed the Victorian ideal of a manly student. Finally, by investigating several historical "cases," such as the reception of Albert Einstein's special and general theories of relativity, Warwick shows how the production, transmission, and reception of new knowledge was profoundly shaped by the skills taught to Cambridge undergraduates.
Drawing on a wealth of new archival evidence and illustrations, Masters of Theory examines the origins of a cultural tradition within which the complex world of theoretical physics was made commonplace.
520 pages, Paperback
First published July 1, 2003
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Displaying 1 - 3 of 3 reviews
December 31, 2020
While this is certainly a niche book for those familiar with both the university and the subject matter, it is a convincing account of the rise (and fall) of Cambridge as the most dominant institution in mathematics and physics in the eighteenth and nineteenth centuries.
October 2, 2022
One of the best books I've read all year. As a physics student I found this to be extremely motivating due to its exploration of the syllabi, curriculum, tutoring and private studies surrounding mathematics/physics at Cambridge in the 19th century.
Personally, the insights from this book allowed me to compare my own methods of study with the greats of the that time, and forced me made me raise the bar of expectation that I place on myself.
Would recommend this as a must read for all people interested in physics and mathematics.
Personally, the insights from this book allowed me to compare my own methods of study with the greats of the that time, and forced me made me raise the bar of expectation that I place on myself.
Would recommend this as a must read for all people interested in physics and mathematics.
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June 22, 2018Marked to read because of Michael Pershan's blog. https://problemproblems.wordpress.com...
Displaying 1 - 3 of 3 reviews