Essay on Machines in General (1786): Text, Translations and Commentaries. Lazare Carnot's Mechanics - Volume 1

ISBN-13: 9783030443870 / Angielski / Miękka / 2022

Raffaele Pisano; Jennifer Coopersmith; Murray Peake

Opis

This book offers insights relevant to modern history and epistemology of physics,mathematics and, indeed, to all the sciences and engineering disciplines emergingof 19th century. This research volume is the first of a set of three Springer books onLazare Nicolas Marguérite Carnot’s (1753–1823) remarkable work: Essay on Machines inGeneral (Essai sur les machines en général [1783] 1786). The other two forthcomingvolumes are: Principes fondamentaux de l’équilibre et du mouvement (1803) andGéométrie de position (1803).Lazare Carnot – l'organisateur de la victoire – in Essai sur le machine en général (1786)assumed that the generalization of machines was a necessity for society and its economicdevelopment. Subsequently, his new coming science applied to machines attractedconsiderable interest for technician, as well, already in the 1780’s. With no lack inrigour, Carnot used geometric and trigonometric rather than algebraic arguments, andusually went on to explain in words what the formulae contained. His main physical–mathematical concepts were the Geometric motion and Moment of activity–concept ofWork . In particular, he found the invariants of the transmission of motion (by statingthe principle of the moment of the quantity of motion) and theorized the condition ofthe maximum efficiency of mechanical machines (i.e., principle of continuity in thetransmission of power).While the core theme remains the theories and historical studies of the text, the bookcontains an extensive Introduction and an accurate critical English Translation –including the parallel text edition and substantive critical/explicative notes – of Essaisur les machines en général (1786). The authors offer much-needed insight into therelation between mechanics, mathematics and engineering from a conceptual, empiricaland methodological, and universalis point of view. As a cutting–edge writing byleading authorities on the history of physics and mathematics, and epistemologicalaspects, it appeals to historians, epistemologist–philosophers and scientists (physicists, mathematicians and applied sciences and technology).
    

Spis treści

Introduction.- Chapter 1. A Critical Translation.- Chapter 2. End Notes.- Chapter 3. Lazare Carnot’s Manuscripts and Documents.- References.- Analytical Index. 

O autorze

Prof. Dr. Raffaele Pisano, HDR (Italy, 1970) is a Physicist and Full Professor at the IEMN CNRS-Lille University, Lille, France. His fields of research | teaching are: History of Physics, History of Physics-Mathematics/Theoretical Physics, History of Applied Sciences and Technology, Historical Epistemology of Science, Comparative and Intellectual History, NoS | History of Science & Teaching. Since 2017, he is elected President of the Inter–Divisional Teaching Commission(DLMPST/IUHPST/DHST).

Dr. Jennifer Coopersmith is a physicist, philosopher, and writer of general physics books. Honorary Research Associate, University of La Trobe, Melbourne, Australia.

Murray Peake is a retired Information Technology consultant now living in Brittany.