Readings in the History of Science

About this event

The history of science meetup group has opened a new chapter. We've now discussed scientific developments up to and including Newton at some length. The focus going forward will be post-Newton. The 19th century was a golden age for analytical work in mathematics. Correspondingly analytical mechanics and thermodynamics also developed and, not surprisingly, these met the needs of the burgeoning industrial revolution. New concepts of work and energy were developed. These and related issues will be the focus of our new chapter. • The history of science meetup will meet on October 22nd from 6pm to 8pm (Pacific time). We are beginning a new article,Craig Fraser’s ‘J L Lagrange’s early contributions to the principles and methods of mechanics. Lagrange developed the ideas of d’Alembert into a calculus of variations with its shift of the analysis of mechanics towards a focus on energy as opposed to its previous focus on force. If you wish to join us you can get a pdf of the book by requesting it from [email protected]. • • *