Prefaces

Summary

The purpose of this book is to describe in detail the theory known as classical dynamics. This is a theory which is very well known and has a large number of important practical applications. It is regarded as one of the most basic scientific theories, with many other theories being direct developments or extensions of it. However in spite of its acknowledged importance, it is not always as well understood as it ought to be.

In the English speaking world at least, the emphasis in the teaching of classical dynamics is largely on its relevance to idealised applications. Thus most traditional mechanics textbooks are example orientated, and students are required to work through large numbers of artificial exercises. Other textbooks are available which emphasise the mathematical techniques that are appropriate in the applications of the subject. These approaches are of course of great importance. An understanding of this subject can only be achieved by working through numerous examples in which the theory is applied to practical problems. However, I feel that a discussion of the fundamental concepts of the theory and its basic structure has largely been neglected.

Classical dynamics is far more than an efficient tool for the solution of physical and engineering problems. It is a fascinating scientific theory in its own right. Its basic concepts of space, time and motion have fascinated some of the greatest intellects over many centuries.