AUTHOR'S PREFACE

TABLE OF CONTENTS


CHAPTER I

THE EVOLUTION OF PHYSICS

Revolutionary change in modern Physics only apparent:
evolution not revolution the rule in Physical Theory--
Revival of metaphysical speculation and influence of
Descartes: all phenomena reduced to matter and movement--
Modern physicists challenge this: physical, unlike
mechanical, phenomena seldom reversible--Two schools,
one considering experimental laws imperative, the other
merely studying relations of magnitudes: both teach
something of truth--Third or eclectic school--
Is mechanics a branch of electrical science?


CHAPTER II

MEASUREMENTS

§ 1. Metrology: Lord Kelvin's view of its necessity--
Its definition

§ 2. The Measure of Length: Necessity for unit--
Absolute length--History of Standard--Description of