BOOK REVIEWS

CLASSICAl,MECHANICS,by Herbert Goldstein. 399 pages, illustrations, 16 X 24 cm.

Cambridge, Addison-Wesley Press, 1950. Price, $6.50.

This book presents a matured discussion of the essential theories of Classical Mechanics.
Its title emphasizes a trend toward the division of mechanics into two major components; ~/z.,
classical and quantum mechanics. In view of the considerable change from classical to quantum
ideas, together with new aspects in atomic structure, and the demands of more mathematical
technique in modern physics, the presentation of classical mechanics requires a new approach.
Along these lines the following may be noted. Vector and tensor notations are used
throughout. The properties of the transformation matrix are discussed. The Lorentz transformation and special relativity with a careful presentation in the mod~cation of the Lagrangian function are included as necessary in the curriculum. Emphasis, as it should be, is given
to variational methods, together with a careful presentation of the Hamiltonian equation of
motion. This is followed by a discussion of canonical and contact transformations, and the
Hamilton-Jacobs theory, and action angle variables. This background, together with a discussion of geometrical optics, permits an effective presentation of the transition to wave
mechanics and the Schrodinger wave equation.
The first part of the book is a recapitulation of basic elementary principles. The discussion of constraints and the elimination of the reactions of constraints through the equation of
virtual work, leads to its formulation in generalized coordinates. While the equation of virtual
work, in terms of generalized coordinates, is usually credited to Lagrange, the author maintains
it as a generalization of D'Alembert. A welcome discussion (which assumes a knowledge of
Maxwell's equation) shows the significance of the vector potential.
The discussion of the two-body central force problem is in line with the type of presentation needed in quantum problems. It resembles a similar presentation by Slater and Frank.
It is uncommon to find the Virial theorem presented in works of mechanics. Likewise the
scattering problems in a central field of force.
The author introduces the important subject of orthogonal transformations and matrix
analysis in the kinematics of rigid bodies. The subject of infinitesimal rotations is likewise
presented in tensor notation. The space and time changes of a vector as effected by the rotation of a frame, and the motion relative to the frame, lead to Euler's Equations, and the often
discussed Coriolis force.
The last chapters are devoted to the theory of small oscillations, with the transition from
discrete to continuous systems and finally the Hamiltonian formulation for continuous systems.
The subject of orthogonal transformation in tensor notation and the significance of the Eigenvalue equation with the principal axis transformation, is in accord with a necessary grounding
in the transition to similar relations in quantum mechanics. The generalized Eigen-value
approach then is extended to resonant frequencies and normal coordinates in classical mechanical
systems.
Classical mechanics is built on the basic principles of momentum, energy, and virtual work,
presented by a mathematical generalization. The great danger of brevity in a mathematical
presentation is in the student overlooking the important details in the physical coordination
of the mathematical relations. These can only be acquired by well chosen problems. Some
criticism along these lines can be found in various parts of the book. For instance, emphasis
through a vector derivation of the Coriolis force overlooks it as a special case, with rotating
frames of the more general principle of angular momentum. Again the author expounds the
theory of the center of mass through a translation coordinate with Lagrange's equations. The
translation coordinate implies that the corresponding forces and reactions, as well as the potential, must be of an external nature. A more physical approach of gyroscopic principles and
rotating frames would strengthen the student's dynamic instincts.
The book is particularly commendable, however, in its coordinating influence, from the
mathematical aspect, between classical and quantum mechanics. It is a valuable contribution
to the modernization of classical mechanics.
RUPEN EKSERGIAN

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