Die Plancksche Theorie der Strahlung und die Theorie der spezifischen Wärme (pp.180-190) WITH Über die Gültigkeitsgrenze des Satzes vom thermodynamischen Gleichgewicht und über die Möglichkeit einer neuen Bestimmung der Elementarquanta (pp. 569-572) WITH Berichtigung zu meiner Arbeit: Die Plancksche Theorie der Strahlung etc. (p. 800) in Annalen der Physik. Vierte Folge Band 22, 1906-1907
Leipzig: Johann Ambrosius Barth. 1st Edition. FIRST EDITIONS OF 3 CLASSIC & IMPORTANT PAPERS BY EINSTEIN, Band 22 of the 1907 Annalen der Physik. Weil 15* and 16; Boni 15 and 16.
“DIE PLANCKSCHE THEORIE”( Planck’s Theory of Radiation and Theory of Specific Heat) is Einstein’s first paper on the quantum theory of solids (the specific heat of solid bodies); as well, this paper is the first systematic introduction of probability factors in quantum theory (Calaprice, Einstein Almanac 13). As Pais wrote, "With this paper, solid state quantum theory begins… the first paper ever written on the quantum theory of the solid state” (Pais, Subtle is the Lord, 522).
Einstein’s paper is of historic import and is Weil 15*. It is one of Einstein’s early explorations into “the consequences of his revolutionary interpretation of Planck's formula for black-body radiation as hinting at a non-classical foundation of physics” (Annalen Portal). To date, the “heat capacity of solids as predicted by the empirical Dulong-Petit law was required by classical mechanics, the specific heat of solids should be independent of temperature. But experiments at low temperatures showed that the heat capacity changes, going to zero at absolute zero. As the temperature goes up, the specific heat goes up until it approaches the Dulong and Petit prediction at high temperature” (Wikipedia).
To account for departures from the Dulong-Petit law, Einstein exploited Planck’s insight “into the non-classical behavior of atomic oscillators for a new understanding of the thermal properties of solid bodies, in particular at lower temperatures” (Annalen Portal) By applying Planck’s law to the oscillations of atoms and molecules in solids, Einstein resolved the 19th century paradox of the equipartition theorem in classical physics. “By employing Planck's quantization assumption, [or making a deduction of Planck’s radiation formula] Einstein's theory [could now account] for the observed experimental trend for the first time. Together with the photoelectric effect, this became one of the most important pieces of evidence for the need of quantization. Einstein used the levels of the quantum mechanical oscillator many years before the advent of modern quantum mechanics” (Wikipedia).
“BERICHTIGUNG ZU MEINER ALBEIT” is short correction to “Die Planckshe”. “A classic paper, [this erratum] offered a complete explanation for the specific heat of solids from absolute zero to above room temperature” (Calaprice, Einstein Almanac 13). Note that we offer this erratum separately and in original wraps.
In “ÜBER DIE GÜLTIGKEITSGRENZE” (On the Limit of Validity of the Law of Thermodynamic Equilibrium and on the Possibility of a New Determination of the Elementary Quanta). Employing a thermodynamic approach, Einstein here uses “voltage fluctuations in a condenser as a means of measuring Boltzmann’s constant” (Pais). “To test his theory, he needed a new, highly sensitive instrument — more sensitive than the available electrometers, which could measure to a few thousandths of a volt. Einstein designed it, had it built, and famously called it his Maschinchen (little machine). He toyed with the idea of patenting it but then dismissed the notion when manufacturers showed little interest. Instead, he decided to publish a paper on the basic features of his machine the following year (Calaprice, 14). Item #842
CONDITION & DETAILS: Leipzig: Johann Ambrosius Barth, 1906-1907. Octavo (9 x 6 inches; 225 x 150mm). 1016 pages, 4 plates. Frontispiece engraved portrait of Pierre Curie. Full volume, solidly and sightly bound in tan buckram, toned with some rubbing at the edge tips; black lettered at the spine. NO library markings inside or out. Clean throughout; pages 609-620 are toned at the margins and pages 609-650 are a little crinkly, but there are no important papers within these areas. Very good condition.
Price: $325.00