Douglas Rayner Hartree: His Life in Science and Computing [Hardcover]

Charlotte Froese Fischer (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: January 2004

This scientific biography of Douglas R Hartree not only describes important events in his life but also outlines his contributions to a number of fields. He is best known for his "self-consistent field" theory for atoms, a theory he later used for the much more difficult problem of predicting the behavior of a magnetron. When Fock pre-empted his work on exchange, he began research into radio-wave propagation. Hartree was very interested in the process of computation. When he learned of a differential analyzer for solving differential equations, he first built a model using Meccano, a toy for children. The success of this model spread the notion of using devices to solve scientific problems. Application of the analyzer led Hartree to control theory and fluid dynamics. In both these areas he made significant, original contributions. With his extensive computing background, he was selected as the first civilian to evaluate the possibility of applying the US ENIAC computer to nonmilitary problems. His research touched the lives of many scientists.

Editorial Reviews

From the Publisher

Those interested in the history of science; scientists in quantum chemistry, atomic physics, computer development; astrophysicists, plasma physicists, control theorists.

Product Details

• Hardcover: 244 pages
• Publisher: World Scientific Pub Co Inc (January 2004)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 9812385770
• ISBN-13: 978-9812385772
• Product Dimensions: 9 x 6.2 x 0.7 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1 pounds
• Average Customer Review: 4.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (2 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #3,097,720 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

5.0 out of 5 stars A service to science, October 16, 2004

By 

Arthur Porter (Advance, NC USA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Douglas Rayner Hartree: His Life in Science and Computing (Hardcover)

Charlotte Froese Fischer has done science in general and computer science in particular a great service by portraying the life and work of Douglas Rayner Hartree. He was not only a notable pioneer in atomic theory, numerical analysis and computer software but as well, probably more than any other person, did more to demonstrate the enormous value of the differential analyzer to science and technology - and by no means least to the theory of automatic control. The book reveals Hartree as a wonderful teacher and friend. It is sad to reflect that his intense dedication to the war effort during World War II may have shortened his life.

Arthur Porter
Professor Emeritus
University of Toronto

1 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

3.0 out of 5 stars Review, May 1, 2004

By A Customer

This review is from: Douglas Rayner Hartree: His Life in Science and Computing (Hardcover)

An interesting review of the life and work of Hartree. Though his contributions to science are significant, Froese Fischer exaggerates the impact of his contributions. Instead of giving a realistic account of an ordinary scientist, Froese Fischer attempts to give an extraordianry account of an extraordinary scientist - which Hartree is not. However, the book does provide much information that would not have otherwise been available to the public.