the precursor to bohr's quantum theory
RYDBERG, J.R.
Recherches sur la Constitution des Spectra d'Émission des Éléments Chimiques. Kongl. SV. Vet. Akademiens Handlinger Band 23. No. II.
Stockholm, Kongl. Boktryckeriet. P. A. Norstedt & Söner, 1890.
Atomic spectra are 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 the atmosphere of a distant planet.
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' (Nature obituary, January 24, 1920). Rydberg's work was justified and expanded 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.
First edition, first impression; tall 4to, (30 x 22.5 cm); 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, very good condition; 155pp.
Stock code 113097
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Recherches sur la Constitution des Spectra d'Émission des Éléments Chimiques.
MANN, W.B.
The Cyclotron.
1940
First edition of the first conventionally published book on the Berkeleye cyclotron, by Wilfrid B. Mann, a student of Ernest O. Lawrence.
£1,250.00
[SANDAGE, Allan] HARRISON, Stephen.
Emanational Physics.
1988.
The second edition of Emanational Physics, a rare and unusual self-published text by Stephen Harrison proposing to correct the field of physics by reframing it metaphysically.
£1,250.00
OPPENHEIMER, Robert; SERBER, Robert; SNYDER, Hartland.
'The Production of Soft Secondaries by Mesotrons'
January 15, 1940.
First edition of production of Soft Secondaries by Mesotrons by Robert Oppenheimer, a significant early work in particle physics and the path to the discovery of the pion and muon.
£500.00
