Skip to content
AUTHENTICITY GUARANTEED | EXPERT ADVICE
AUTHENTICITY GUARANTEED

Recherches sur la Constitution des Spectra d'Émission des Éléments Chimiques.

Kongl. SV. Vet. Akademiens Handlinger Band 23. No. II.

Stock Code 113097

Stockholm, Kongl. Boktryckeriet. P. A. Norstedt & Söner, 1890

Original price £850.00 - Original price £850.00
Original price £0.00
£850.00
£850.00 - £850.00
Current price £850.00
The precursor to bohr's quantum theory. First edition of this significant work that lays out the empirical formulae governing the frequencies of atomic spectral lines, a precursor to Bohr's development of the quantum theory. A handsomely bound copy in excellent condition, and rare in commerce.

Atomic spectra are bright or dark lines that appear across the visible spectrum indicating the wavelengths of light emitted or absorbed when atoms are energised by photons. Each element produces a different series of lines, and these can be used to determine the chemical components of a substance on Earth, or even of a star or a distant planet's atmosphere. Inspired by Mendeleev's periodic table, Johannes Rydberg (1854-1919) was convinced that the electromagnetic spectra emitted by atoms could provide insight into atomic structure and theory. 'Notwithstanding the imperfect spectroscopic tables then at his disposal, Rydberg discovered most of the important properties of series spectra, including the relation between corresponding series in the spectra of related elements, and foreshadowed discoveries which were made later, when experimental work has sufficiently advanced. Some of the features noted by Rydberg were observed about the same time by Kayser and Runge, but his work had the special merit of connecting different series in the spectrum of the same element into one system, which could be represented by a set of simple formulae having but few adjustable constants. He especially insisted that the hydrogen constant, now generally called the "Rydberg constant," should appear in all series and, apart from slight variations from element to element suggested by the theoretical work of Bohr, nearly all subsequent attempts to improve the representation series have involved this supposition, and have had Rydberg's formula as a basis.' (Nature obituary, January 24, 1920). Rydberg's work was justified and expanded upon by Bohr's development of the quantum model of atomic structure in 1913, and Bohr was able to use his own theory to derive Rydberg's results, providing confirmation of both.

This uncommon publication represents the culmination of Rydberg's work. It 'mapped out Rydberg's total approach with remarkable clarity... While T.R. Thalen and Bernhard Hasselberg, Rydberg's major Swedish contemporaries in spectral studies, concentrated upon accurate measurements of the spectra of the elements, Rydberg's major spectral contributions were to theory and mathematical form, and those to form were the ones of enduring value' (Dictionary of Scientific Biography, vol. 12, p. 42).

First edition, first impression; tall 4to, (30 x 22.5 cms); 4 engraved plates of which 3 are double-page and 1 is folding; title page and plates faintly toned, contents clean otherwise; recent burgundy quarter morocco, marbled boards, titles to spine gilt, excellent condition; 155pp.

Provenance
Delivery

We offer secure and express delivery on all local and international orders of rare books, maps and prints placed through this website.

About us

Shapero Rare Books is an internationally renowned dealer in antiquarian & rare books and works on paper.

Our Bookshop and Gallery can be found in the heart of Mayfair at 106 New Bond Street, where most of our stock is available to view and on public display.

We exhibit at major international art fairs, including TEFAF (Maastricht and New York), Frieze Masters, Art Miami and Masterpiece London, as well as antiquarian & rare book fairs including New York, Paris, London, Los Angeles, San Francisco and Hong Kong.

Read more

Ask us a question

Recherches sur la Constitution des Spectra d'Émission des Éléments Chimiques.

RYDBERG, J.R.

Stock code: 113097

£850.00

THE BOND STREET EXPERIENCE

An exceptional experience in the heart of London’s Mayfair for not only seasoned collectors but those considering purchasing their first rare book or print.

Guaranteed Authenticity
GUARANTEED AUTHENTICITY
International Delivery
INTERNATIONAL DELIVERY
Meet Our Booksellers
MEET OUR BOOKSELLERS
Free Gift Wrapping
FREE GIFT WRAPPING

BOOK COLLECTING IDEAS

Your cart is empty

Continue shopping

Basket