Prinzipielles zur allgemeinen Relativitatstheorie, pp. 241-245 in: Annalen der Physik, 4. Folge, Band 55, Heft 4. EINSTEIN ON MACH'S PRINCIPLE

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First edition, complete journal issue in original printed wrappers, of this paper in which Einstein emphasizes the relevance of 'Mach's principle' (his term) as a foundation stone for general relativity. Mach's principle states that "local physical laws are determined by the large-scale structure of the universe" (Wikipedia). As Einstein wrote: 'Das G-Feld ist 'restlos' durch die Massen der Körper bestimmt', that is, the spacetime metric is completely determined by the distribution of mass of bodies [in the universe]. So strongly did Einstein believe at that time in the relativity of inertia that [in this paper] he stated [it] as being on equal footing three principles on which a satisfactory theory of gravitation should rest: (1.) The principle of relativity as expressed by general covariance. (2.) The principle of equivalence. (3.) Mach's principle (the first time this term entered the literature)" (Pais, The Science of Albert Einstein, 287). Weil 96. Boni 100. Collected Papers 1918e. 8vo, pp. 241-336. Original printed wrappers (spine mostly worn away, front wrapper with large chips in the margins, not affecting printed area). Seller Inventory # ABE-1572891589904

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