Identifying old quantum mechanics textbook

In summary, the article discusses the process of identifying old quantum mechanics textbooks by examining key characteristics such as publication dates, authors, and editions. It emphasizes the importance of recognizing historical context and advancements in the field, as well as the value of these texts in understanding the evolution of quantum mechanics. The piece also suggests resources and strategies for locating and verifying the authenticity of these old textbooks.
  • #36
pines-demon said:
Were there some previous textbook on old quantum mechanics?
THE NEW QUANTUM MECHANICS by GEORGE BIRTWISTLE (CAMBRIDGE AT THE UNIVERSITY PRESS 1928)


PREFACE
This book is concerned with the development of quantum mechanics during the past two years. A detailed account is given of the matrix theory of Heisenberg, Born and Jordan, the g-number theory of Dirac, and the wave mechanics of Schrödinger. The earlier chapters are devoted to a restatement of the Landé theory of the multiplets in a form which is in consonance with the new mechanics which is to follow; some later chapters are given up to the de Broglie theory of particles and their waves, and to the new statistics of Bose, Einstein, Fermi and Dirac. The book closes with the resonance theory of the helium spectrum lately given by Heisenberg, and with the new speculations of Bohr on the limitations imposed by the quantum theory upon the possibilities of experimental observation.

G. B.
HOTEL PHOENIX, COPENHAGEN 1 October 1927
 
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  • #37
Lord Jestocost said:
THE NEW QUANTUM MECHANICS by GEORGE BIRTWISTLE (CAMBRIDGE AT THE UNIVERSITY PRESS 1928)


PREFACE
This book is concerned with the development of quantum mechanics during the past two years. A detailed account is given of the matrix theory of Heisenberg, Born and Jordan, the g-number theory of Dirac, and the wave mechanics of Schrödinger. The earlier chapters are devoted to a restatement of the Landé theory of the multiplets in a form which is in consonance with the new mechanics which is to follow; some later chapters are given up to the de Broglie theory of particles and their waves, and to the new statistics of Bose, Einstein, Fermi and Dirac. The book closes with the resonance theory of the helium spectrum lately given by Heisenberg, and with the new speculations of Bohr on the limitations imposed by the quantum theory upon the possibilities of experimental observation.

G. B.
HOTEL PHOENIX, COPENHAGEN 1 October 1927
This is earlier than the book of Condon and Morse! (but still on "modern" quantum mechanics)
 
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  • #38
I’m curious. Did you ever identify the book you used? If not, can you provide more details such as color, size, what year you used it, was it old then or newish, ect. Thanks.
 
  • #39
I did rule out a couple more books. Something came up and required my full attention, so I got sidetracked. I believe the one I’m looking for is a reddish-brown or brown hardcover with a simple, plain design. Unfortunately, I’m still unable to dedicate much attention to this right now due to other pressing matters, but I appreciate your interest and will follow up when I can.
 
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  • #40
julian said:
I did rule out a couple more books. Something came up and required my full attention, so I got sidetracked. I believe the one I’m looking for is a reddish-brown or brown hardcover with a simple, plain design. Unfortunately, I’m still unable to dedicate much attention to this right now due to other pressing matters, but I appreciate your interest and will follow up when I can.
A couple from the 60s which I have stuck in the book shop.

IMG_20240921_112838_560.jpg
 
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  • #41
pinball1970 said:
A couple from the 60s which I have stuck in the book shop.

View attachment 354556
Thanks for the suggestion. Unfortunetly, I haven't been able to find much information on the contents.
 
  • #42
julian said:
Thanks for the suggestion. Unfortunetly, I haven't been able to find much information on the contents.
This is part of the contents, the book was published in 1962.

IMG_20240921_112918_381.jpg
 
  • #43
pinball1970 said:
This is part of the contents, the book was published in 1962.

View attachment 354570
Does the book mention "Frobenius" in reference to Frobenius method? Is the last chapter on Dirac's equation? Thanks.
 
  • #44
julian said:
Does the book mention "Frobenius" in reference to Frobenius method? Is the last chapter on Dirac's equation? Thanks.
I'll check when I get back.
 
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  • #45
julian said:
Does the book mention "Frobenius" in reference to Frobenius method? Is the last chapter on Dirac's equation? Thanks.
No and no. The book can be accessed on the Internet Archive Digital Library site. I suppose you don’t have any notes from the period that might have a reference?
 

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