Quantum Mechanics and Gravity (The Frontiers Collection) [Hardcover]

Mendel Sachs (Author)

Book Description

ISBN-10: 3540008004 | ISBN-13: 978-3540008002 | Publication Date: January 12, 2004 | Edition: 1

This book describes a paradigm change in modern physics from the philosophy and mathematical expression of the quantum theory to those of general relativity. The approach applies to all domains - from elementary particles to cosmology. The change is from the positivistic views in which atomism, nondeterminism and measurement are fundamental, to a holistic view in realism, wherein matter - electrons, galaxies, - are correlated modes of a single continuum, the universe. A field that unifies electromagnetism, gravity and inertia is demonstrated explicitly, with new predictions, in terms of quaternion and spinor field equations in a curved spacetime. Quantum mechanics emerges as a linear, flatspace approximation for the equations of inertia in general relativity.

Editorial Reviews

Review

From the reviews:

"This book differs from the many other books on the same topics in three essential points: 1st, it concentrates on the historical development of the question of the unification of quantum theory and gravity, 2nd, it uses the quaternion approach to describe the metric and other geometric objects, and 3rd, it is a quite personal book. … a very readable monograph, containing also philosophical issues, considerations about electromagnetism, and unified field theory." (Hans-Jürgen Schmidt, Zentralblatt MATH, Vol. 1052, 2005)

"The basic attempt of this book is to initiate a study of a single, coherent theory of matter applicable to all domains, from elementary particle physics to cosmology. … This very interesting and clearly written book is even readable by a final year’s student in physics. The presentation is very well got-up. … I highly recommend this excellent work to every theoretical physicist interested in general relativity and unified field theories." (Fernand Dhoore, Physicalia, Vol. 57 (3), 2005)

"Sachs’ book is a fascinating exposition of how an approximation in general relativity brings out quantum mechanical features. Perhaps Einstein would have been greatly interested. … I think it should be read by anyone who is interested in quantum mechanics and gravity." (J. Hartley, Contemporary Physics, Vol. 45 (6), 2004)

From the Back Cover

This book describes a paradigm change in modern physics from the philosophy and mathematical expression of the quantum theory to those of general relativity. The approach applies to all domains - from elementary particles to cosmology. The change is from the positivistic views in which atomism, nondeterminism and measurement are fundamental, to a holistic view in realism, wherein matter - electrons, galaxies, - are correlated modes of a single continuum, the universe. A field that unifies electromagnetism, gravity and inertia is demonstrated explicitly, with new predictions, in terms of quaternion and spinor field equations in a curved spacetime. Quantum mechanics emerges as a linear, flatspace approximation for the equations of inertia in general relativity.

Product Details

• Hardcover: 205 pages
• Publisher: Springer; 1 edition (January 12, 2004)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 3540008004
• ISBN-13: 978-3540008002
• Product Dimensions: 9.3 x 5.8 x 0.8 inches
• Shipping Weight: 13.6 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (1 customer review)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #2,576,408 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars remarkable, March 7, 2010

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This review is from: Quantum Mechanics and Gravity (The Frontiers Collection) (Hardcover)

Great mathematical physics that for some unexplained reason are not mainstream are to be found in this superb book by Mendel Sachs. There are some great ideas: the primacy of field monism (unfortunately despite the reference to Aristotle, the author is unaware that the actual forerunner of field monism was the great, by all standards, Parmenides); general relativistic invariance and nonlinearity.

Some weak points: nonlinearity is promoted but in most cases approximated by linearizations; unified field theory
can not be thought of without a theory of matter; yet in the electromagnetic case the matter fields equations
do not follow from the authors unified theory (ie the Dirac equation is assumed rather than derived); there is
a blind spot in the quantum mechanics derivation from fundamental covariant theories having to do with the prediction of particle like solutions from the matter equations and other.

Overall, this is a GREAT book that unfortunately is too short for what it is trying to do; there was a need
for at least a 500 pgs book that could explain better the author's ideas. I personally think this
is fascinating material that although definitely incomplete and sketchy at points has a great virtue:
it is in the right direction putting the right things first. Unfortunately, a minority research program
that hopefully could become mainstream in the future.