This text – designed primarily for the use of students-presents a logical and straight forward discussion of the basic ideas of Professor Einstein's theory. Emphasis is placed on the development of fundamental concepts, and it is made clear how the relativity theory is necessary to explain certain facts of nature for which earlier physics did not satisfactorily account. The book is organized into three parts:
(l) The special theory of relativity. This section alone should provide satisfactory background for students who are interested in the theory of relativity mainly for its applications to atomic and nuclear physics.
(2) The general theory of relativity. This includes the work by Einstein, Infield, and Hoffmann on the equations of motion.
(3) Unified field theories. Attempts to overcome defects in the general theory of relativity are explained, and possible directions of future research are indicated.
This book is carefully pitched at a level which can be understood by senior or graduate students in physics. No familiarity with mathematics or physics is presupposed, except that which is necessary for studying classical theoretical physics. The specific mathematics needed in Relativity Theory-tensor calculus and Ricci calculus-is developed within the text, and problems are included to acquaint the students with the mathematical apparatus.
The student who makes a thorough study of the book will master the mathematical methods and physical aspects of the theory of Relativity, and will be in a position to interpret for himself its applications. He will also be able to understand, with no particular difficulty, the literature of the field.