Ernst Mach

This collection looks at the work of Ernst Mach, the physicist and philosopher, from several angles. It opens with an account of his life as both a teacher and a thinker. Later chapters examine his analysis of sensation, his role in the development of gas dynamics, and his fascination with shock waves. Other essays take up his early views on atomism, the mathematical side of his positivist approach to geometry, and his place in modern physics.

The volume also considers how Mach's ideas connect with Albert Einstein, both in the search for physical reality and in Mach's principle as it relates to Einstein's theory of gravitation. Discussions of perception and the philosophy of science run through several of the chapters.

The closing appendices assess the continuing relevance of Mach's philosophy of science, his commitment to the unity of science, and his empiricist conception of science. They also provide biographical data, a bibliography of his writings, and an index of names.