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Concepts of Modern Physics: The Haifa Lectures
 Mendel Sachs
Format: Paperback
ISBN: 1860948227
Publisher: Imperial College Press
Pub. Date:
2007
This book highlights foundational issues in theoretical physics in an informal,
open style of lecture. It expresses the flow of ideas in physics -- from the period of Galileo and Newton to the contemporary ideas of the quantum and
relativity theories, astrophysics and cosmology -- as explanations for the laws of matter. Rather than presenting the ideas of physics as a fait accompli, the book leaves it up to the reader to
decide which of these 20th-century ideas in science will carry over to the 21st century for our further comprehension of the laws of nature in all domains, from that of elementary particles to
cosmology.
It is the contention of the author that our future progress in physics comprehension will only
take place when the foundational controversies between the quantum and relativity theories are recognized and discussion is given to their resolution. The book, therefore, presents an attitude
not normally taken in other present-day books on subjects in contemporary theoretical physics and cosmology.
Quantum Mechanics and Gravity
Mendel Sachs
Format: Hardcover
ISBN: ISBN 3-540-00800-4
Publisher: Springer Verlag
Pub. Date: 2004
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 view 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, flat-space approximation for the equations of inertia in general relativity.
 Dialogues on Modern Physics
Mendel Sachs
Format: Hardcover/Paperback, 200pp.
ISBN: 9810231911 (hardcover), 9810237057 (paperback)
Publisher:
World Scientific Publishing Company, Singapore
Pub. Date: 1998
Japanese translation by M. Harada (Kodansha, Tokyo, 1999) ISBN 4-06-257268-0
In this book, important conceptual developments of the two major revolutions of modern physics
— the quantum and relativity theories — are presented in a nonmathematical, dialectical form of
dialogue. The implications of conflicting philosophical attitudes of these revolutions in physics and applications to topics such as cosmology/astrophysics and high energy physics are
emphasized. It is argued that for any substantial progress in our understanding of 21st century physics, it will be necessary to resolve these 20th century conflicts. These richly rewarding
dialogues provide a starting point for discussions that could lead to such progress. An epilogue is presented on the philosophical advantage of the dialogue form for increased understanding.
General Relativity and Matter : A Spinor Field Theory from Fermis to Light-Years
(Fundamental Theories of Physics)
Mendel Sachs
Format: Hardcover
ISBN: 9027713812
Publisher: Reidel Publishing Company (now Kluwer Academic Publishers)
Pub. Date: 1982
This monograph is unique in viewing general relativity as a fundamental theory of matter, in all domains. After developing the mathematical background of Einstein's relativistic formalism and
the spinor-quaternion calculus in a curved spacetime, the author relates the group structure of his theory and the geometry of curved spacetime to the existence
of matter fields. The resulting generalization embraces both the inertial manifestations of matter
(expressed as globally covariant field equations) and its force manifestations, in terms of a generalized spinor formalism which serves to unify them.
Novel features of general relativity are shown to emerge, in elementary particle physics as well
as astrophysics. Especially noteworthy among these is a factorization of Einstein's field equations to a quaternion field formalism, which, by way of a single covariant field, includes both
gravitation and electromagnetism, coupled to matter field equations -whose linear (low energy) limit recovers quantum mechanics. The author's original approach also furnishes derivations, not
previously available, of several observed properties of inertial mass and gravitational force.
Quantum Mechanics from General Relativity : An Approximation for a Theory of Inertia
(Fundamental Theories of Physics)
Mendel Sachs
Format: Hardcover, 227pp.
ISBN: 9027722471
Publisher:
Reidel Publishing Company (now Kluwer Academic Publishers)
Pub. Date: 1986
A generalization of quantum mechanics is demonstrated in the context of general relativity,
following from a generally covariant field theory of inertia. Nonrelativistically, the formalism corresponds with linear quantum mechanics. In the limit of special relativity, nonlinearity remains
and several new features are derived: (1) Particle-antiparticle pairs do not annihilate; an exact bound state solution is derived corresponding with all experimental facts about
annihilation/creation – which, in approximation, gives the blackbody radiation spectrum for a sea
of such pairs. (2) A result is proven, without approximation, that is physically equivalent to the
Pauli exclusion principle – which in linear approximation, gives the totally antisymmetrised many-body wave function and Fermi-Dirac statistics. (3) The hydrogen spectrum is derived, including
the Lamb shifts, in agreement with experiment; new results are found for high-energy electron-proton scattering. (4) Finally, several applications to the elementary particle domain are
demonstrated, in agreement with results from experimental high-energy physics.
 Relativity in Our Time : From Physics to Human Relations
Mendel Sachs
Format: Hardcover, 162pp.
ISBN: 0748401172
Publisher: Taylor & Francis, Inc.
Pub. Date: 1993
Japanese translation by M. Harada (Nippon-Hyoransha, Tokyo, 1998) ISBN 4535782636 C3042
The central contention of Relativity in Our Time is that Einstein's theory is simple from the
conceptual standpoints and should therefore be comprehensible to a very broad range of readers. Outstandingly clear and eloquent text explains the beautiful theory and then extends it from
problems in case physics to other domains of human understanding, including issues of societal relationships. The conceptual framework of the theory overrides its mathematical structure and
Professor Sachs is able to address and vividly describe the subject to the extent that this book will grasp the imagination of anyone with an interest in the fundamental working of the universe,
at any scale. The book is as appropriate for the humanities student as for the professional physicist. Einstein's relativity theory is central to both dynamical and energetic properties in the
universe; Relativity in Our Time sets the theory in context and clarity. The overwhelming assertion of the book is that the principle of relativity leads to a theoretical structure with
tremendous predictive capacity, from the microscopic range of particle physics to the domain of the universe at large-cosmic scales. Sachs' arguments cascade outwards in logical and
expressive discussions to encompass the new view of space, time, spacetime, the curvature of spacetime and gravitation, as well as the unified field concept, and an approach to cosmology.
Perhaps most fascinating of all is the relevance of the theory to human relations in the social sciences. The economy and breadth of this book make it a convincing and worthwhile source of
fundamental understanding of the scientific interpretation of our time.
Relativity in Our Time : From Physics to Human Relations
Mendel Sachs
Format: Paperback, 162pp.
ISBN: 0748401180
Publisher: Taylor & Francis, Inc.
Pub. Date: January 1993
 Einstein Versus Bohr : The Continuing Controversies in Physics
Mendel Sachs
Format: Hardcover/Paperback
ISBN: 0812690648 (hardcover), 0812690656 (paperback)
Publisher:
Open Court Publishing Company
Pub. Date: 1988
Japanese translation by M. Harada and K. Sugimoto (Maruzen, Tokyo, 1991) ISBN 462103636X C0042
Einstein Versus Bohr is unlike other books on science written by experts for non-experts,
because it presents the history of science in terms of problems, conflicts, contradictions, and arguments.
Science normally "keeps a tidy workshop." Professor Sachs breaks with convention by taking us
into the theoretical workshop, giving us a problem-oriented account of modern physics, an account that concentrates on underlying concepts and debate. The book contains mathematical
explanations, but it is so-designed that the whole argument can be followed with the math omitted.
Professor Sachs' story begins with classical and nineteenth century physics, describes the early
discoveries in particle theory, and introduces the "old" quantum theory, which evolved into the quantum mechanics of the Copenhagen School.
Such important ideas as the Einstein Photon Box experiment and the Einstein-Podolsky-Rosen
Paradox, and Schrodinger's Cat Paradox are clearly expounded, followed by a completely fresh explanation of relativity in conceptual terms, showing how apparent paradoxes can be removed
by Einstein's own interpretation, especially that of his later years.
Professor Sachs gives a detailed comparison of the fundamentals of the quantum and relativity
theories, suggesting how the contradictions might be resolved. In an epilogue, he makes suggestions, with reference to religious notions, Taoism, and Buber's theory of I-Thou, for
generalizing Einstein's approach beyond physics.
The Field Concept in Contemporary Science
Mendel Sachs
Format: Out of Print
ISBN: 0398026076
Publisher: Charles C. Thomas Publishers
Pub. Date: 1973
Dr. Sachs presents a lucid, non-mathematical account of the role of the continuous field
concept in three major areas of twentieth century science: the theory of electromagnetism, the theory of relativity, and the contemporary theory that underlies phenomena in the microscopic
domain of atoms, molecules and elementary particles – the quantum theory. Electromagnetic theory has been interpreted in terms of a continuous field of potential force that electrically
charged matter could exert on other charged matter, should the test matter be placed at any of a continuum of spatial points. The formal expression of the theory of relativity has been
interpreted in terms of a continuous field of geometry – the continuous set of relations between
the points of space-time, as determined by the matter distribution of a physically closed system. The variables of the quantum theory have been interpreted in terms of a field of probability -
the continuous distribution of a sequence of chances that a macroscopic apparatus will determine that the microscopic object will have one set of physical properties or another. Each
of these field theories is analyzed from the point of view of its philosophical content, and the contrasting views in terms of the atomistic theories are presented. Discussion is given to the
logically dichotomous and compatible aspects of these theories as well as indications of possible paths toward their unification into a general field theory of matter. The reader is presented with
biographical backgrounds of the chief scientists whose works are discussed, adding the human element to this unfolding story of the evolution of field theories, from the points of view of the
proponents as well as the opponents of the continuous field approach.
Ideas of Matter : From Ancient Times to Bohr and Einstein
Mendel Sachs
Format: Hardcover/Paperback (Out of Print)
ISBN: 0819116157 (hardcover), 0819116165 (paperback)
Publisher: University Press of America
Pub. Date: 1981
The primary focus of this book is concerned with the main philosophical ideas and debates of the
two major developments of twentieth century physics – the quantum theory of measurement and the theory of relativity – as underlying theories of matter. The following are the chapter
headings:
1. Introduction.
2. Ancient Views of Reality in Physics.
3. A Renaissance (Galileo, Newton, Descartes, Spinoza, Hume, Kant).
4. Nineteenth Century Physics (Dalton, Boltzmann, Faraday, Maxwell).
5. Discoveries about Matter and Radiation Early in the Twentieth Century.
6. Wave-Particle Dualism of Matter.
7. Interpretations of Wave Mechanics.
8. The Copenhagen Interpretation of Quantum Mechanics.
9. Objections to Quantum Mechanics and Counter-Proposals
10. The Theory of Relativity.
11. Cosmology. Epilogue, Bibliography.
 Ideas of The Theory of Relativity; General Implications from Physics to Problems of Society
Mendel Sachs
Format: Out of Print
ISBN: 0706514610
Publisher: Israel Universities Press
Pub. Date: 1974
This book shows how a single assertion – the principle of relativity – leads to a theoretical
structure that has tremendous predictive capacity. The theory covers the entire range of the physical universe from the microscopic range of elementary particle physics to the domain of
cosmology. The different topics are presented in a non-mathematical fashion, and include space-time, the curvature of space-time and gravitation, and unified field concepts and cosmology.
Throughout the text, extensions into the area of human relations are discussed from the point of view of the physical scientist.
 The Search for a Theory of Matter
Mendel Sachs
Format: Out of Print
ISBN: Library of Congress Catalog Card No. 72127974
Publisher: McGraw-Hill
Pub. Date: 1971
This book explores in an enlightening, readable way how first one theory, then another was
proposed, how some have reappeared after being discarded, how attempts have been made to fuse apparently contradictory theories into a unified and cogent explanation.
Ranging from the physics of the ancient Greece through Galileo's studies of freely falling bodies,
Newton's laws of motion and gravitation, Faraday's field concept, the theories of Maxwell and Boltzmann, the experiment if Michelson and Morley, to Einstein's theory of relativity, Bohr's model
of the atom and the modern quantum theory, Dr. Sachs examines and illuminates man's attempts to gather the laws that govern the motion of objects, electricity, magnetism, optics, gravitation
and atomic and elementary particle physics into a satisfactory unified theory of matter.
The book is suitable for senior high school students, college freshmen and all other readers
interested in discussions of the important concepts and conflicts of ideas that have appeared throughout the history of physics, highlighting the developments in the twentieth century.
Solid State Theory
Mendel Sachs
Format: Out of Print
ISBN: Library of Congress Catalog Card No. 6221804
Publisher: McGraw-Hill
Pub. Date: 1963
Dover Publications reprinting, 1974, Library of Congress Catalog Card No. 7478777.
The most important single feature of this fine work is its emphasis on the role played by the
symmetry of crystal lattices in the determination of many of the physical properties of solids. Group theory is introduced and the representations of finite groups are utilized to analyze atomic
energy levels in crystal lattices as well as selection rules for transitions between these levels.
This aspect of solid state physics enables one to determine many of the qualitative features of solid state properties before numerical computations begin.
In general, the book exploits a few basic principles in developing in detail some of the general
features of solids, rather than trying a wide area in less detail. The author feels that this approach will give the reader enough fundamental background to enable him to proceed further
on his own in research.
The book is designed for two different groups of physics students and researchers:
Those who are primarily interested in pursuing further research in experimental or theoretical solid state physics,
Those whose chief interest is not in solid state physics, but who wish to broaden their
knowledge of solid state theory as an example for many applications in theoretical physics – e.g. group theory and the use of the S-matrix approach for scattering problems.
The book should also appeal to students and researchers in allied fields (such as physical
chemistry, metallurgy, electrical engineering, etc.) who may derive some insight into their own studies of solids from the point of view of fundamental physics.
Amazon.com and Barnesnoble.com list my books on the Internet for purchase.
I have published approximately 150 technical articles in the journals, in astrophysics, particle
physics, unified field theory and the philosophy of physics. Many of these articles are referred to in the books listed above. The titles of recent papers are as follows:
- "On Unification of Gravity and Electromagnetism and the Absence of Magnetic Monopoles", Nuovo Cimento 114B, (1999).
- "On the source of Anisotropy in Cosmic Radiation from General Relativity", Nuovo Cimento 110A, 611 (1997).
- "Changes in Concepts of Time from Aristotle to Einstein", Astrophysics and Space Science 244, 269 (1996).
- "An Interpretation of the Top Quark Mass in Terms of a Proton Mass Doublet in General Relativity", Nuovo Cimento 108A
, 1445 (1995).
- "On the Rotation of Galaxies in General Relativity", Physics Essays 7, 490 (1994).
- "On the Problem of Cosmology", Physics Essays 6, 32 (1993).
- "On the Possible Origin of CP Violation in Neutral Kaon Decay", Nuovo Cimento 72A, 361 (1982).
- "A Pulsar Model from an Oscillating Black Hole", Foundations of Physics 12, 689 (1982).
- "On Stellar Collapse and the Black Hole Limit from a Dynamical View", Annales Institut Henri Poincare 28
, 399 (1978).
- "The Electron-Muon Mass Doublet from General Relativity", Nuovo Cimento 7B, 247 (1972).
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