Einstein, Hilbert, and the theory of gravitation

Contents......Page v
Preface......Page vii
1. Introduction......Page 1
2.1 The Principles of Equivalence and Relativity......Page 2
2.2 Abraham's Objections......Page 4
2.3 Nordström's Theory......Page 6
2.4 Einstein and Grossmann: Search for the Mathematical Tools of General Relativity......Page 9
2.5 The Foundation of General Relativity......Page 13
3.1 The Role of Axiomatization in Hilbert's Work......Page 17
3.2 Concepts of Space and Geometry......Page 18
3.3 Space-Time and Invariants......Page 20
3.4 Mie's Field Theory of Matter......Page 23
3.5 Hilbert's Communication to the Göttingen Academy......Page 24
3.6 Axioms of Hilbert's Theory of Matter......Page 26
3.7 Hilbert's Fundamental Theorem, Energy Conservation and the World Function......Page 27
4.1 General Covariance and the Equivalence Principle......Page 31
4.2 Theory of the Gravitational Field......Page 33
4.3 Consequences and Applications of the Theory of Gravitation......Page 35
4.4 The Cosmological Term......Page 37
5.1 Axiom of Physical Interpretability......Page 39
5.2 Restrictions due to Causality......Page 40
5.3 Hilbert's Conclusion......Page 41
6. Hamilton's Principle and the Conservation Laws......Page 42
6.1 Lorentz and the Hamilton Principle in Einstein's Theory......Page 43
6.2 Einstein and the Hamilton Principle......Page 44
7. General Covariance and Conservation Laws......Page 45
7.1 Energy Conservation and the Theory of Invariants......Page 46
7.2 Identities from General Covariance......Page 48
7.3 Bianchi Identities and Hilbert's Constraint Conditions......Page 49
8.1 Generalization of Riemannian Geometry......Page 50
8.2 Weyl's Unified Theory......Page 51
8.3 Five-Dimensional Relativity......Page 52
9. 'Ein Bleibender Kern' - An Enduring Core......Page 53
References and Notes......Page 56
Appendix......Page 82
Index of names......Page 87