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Max Jammer's Concepts of Simultaneity presents a comprehensive, accessible account of the historical development of an important and controversial concept -- which played a critical role in initiating modern theoretical physics -- from the days of Egyptian hieroglyphs through to Einstein's work in 1905, and beyond. Beginning with the use of the concept of simultaneity in ancient Egypt and in the Bible, the study discusses its role in Greek and medieval philosophy as well as its significance in Newtonian physics and in the ideas of Leibniz, Kant, and other classical philosophers. The central theme of Jammer's presentation is a critical analysis of the use of this concept by philosophers of science, like Poincar?, and its significant role in inaugurating modern theoretical physics in Einstein's special theory of relativity. Particular attention is paid to the philosophical problem of whether the notion of distant simultaneity presents a factual reality or only a hypothetical convention. The study concludes with an analysis of simultaneity's importance in general relativity and quantum mechanics.

"Concepts of Mass in Contemporary Physics and Philosophy addresses an important issue, covering a large swathe of territory and presenting technical results in clear and accessible way. There is no comparable study of mass in the field, and the need for a synoptic review is obvious. Philosophers and historians of science, who often lack the technical expertise to evaluate the work of physicists, will find the book very useful. Physicists, too, will value the book, particularly because it brings together results that are widely dispersed in the literature." -- Tim Maudlin, Rutgers University

"Professor Max Jammer's book is a significant and important contribution to the conceptual foundations of physics, especially in the manner in which it explores how the concept of mass occurs in the context of gravitational and space-time theories." -- Ronald Anderson, Boston College

An interesting and stimulating mix of physics and philosophical issues . . . and its also fun to read. -- Barry R. Holstein, American Scientist

[Jammer's] contributions to the conceptual foundations of physics have been, and continue to be, both fruitful and enlightening. -- Jonathan Bain, Physics Today

[Jammer's] contributions to the conceptual foundations of physics have been, and continue to be, both fruitful and enlightening. -- Review

Both historical treatment and critical analysis, this work by a noted physicist takes a fascinating look at a fundamental of physics, tracing its development from ancient to modern times. Kepler?s initiation of scientific conceptualization, Newton?s definition, post-Newtonian reinterpretation?contrasting concepts of Leibniz, Boscovich, Kant with those of Mach, Kirchhoff, Hertz. In-depth analysis of contemporary trend toward eliminating force from conceptual scheme of physics. "An excellent presentation"?Science. 1962 ed.

Newly updated study surveys the concept of space from the standpoint of historical development, including space in antiquity, Judeo-Christian ideas about space, Newton?s concept of absolute space, space from 18th century to the present. Extensive new chapter reviews changes in philosophy of space since publication of second edition (1969). Numerous original quotations and bibliographical references. "...admirably compact and swiftly paced style." - Philosophy of Science. Foreword by Albert Einstein.