What is Book: Definition and 1000 Discussions

A book is a medium for recording information in the form of writing or images, typically composed of many pages (made of papyrus, parchment, vellum, or paper) bound together and protected by a cover. The technical term for this physical arrangement is codex (plural, codices). In the history of hand-held physical supports for extended written compositions or records, the codex replaces its predecessor, the scroll. A single sheet in a codex is a leaf and each side of a leaf is a page.
As an intellectual object, a book is prototypically a composition of such great length that it takes a considerable investment of time to compose and still considered as an investment of time to read. In a restricted sense, a book is a self-sufficient section or part of a longer composition, a usage that reflects the fact that, in antiquity, long works had to be written on several scrolls and each scroll had to be identified by the book it contained. Each part of Aristotle's Physics is called a book. In an unrestricted sense, a book is the compositional whole of which such sections, whether called books or chapters or parts, are parts.
The intellectual content in a physical book need not be a composition, nor even be called a book. Books can consist only of drawings, engravings or photographs, crossword puzzles or cut-out dolls. In a physical book, the pages can be left blank or can feature an abstract set of lines to support entries, such as in an account book, an appointment book, an autograph book, a notebook, a diary or a sketchbook. Some physical books are made with pages thick and sturdy enough to support other physical objects, like a scrapbook or photograph album. Books may be distributed in electronic form as ebooks and other formats.
Although in ordinary academic parlance a monograph is understood to be a specialist academic work, rather than a reference work on a scholarly subject, in library and information science monograph denotes more broadly any non-serial publication complete in one volume (book) or a finite number of volumes (even a novel like Proust's seven-volume In Search of Lost Time), in contrast to serial publications like a magazine, journal or newspaper. An avid reader or collector of books is a bibliophile or colloquially, "bookworm". A place where books are traded is a bookshop or bookstore. Books are also sold elsewhere and can be borrowed from libraries. Google has estimated that by 2010, approximately 130,000,000 titles had been published. In some wealthier nations, the sale of printed books has decreased because of the increased usage of ebooks.

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  1. H

    Limitations of visual presentation

    Can a visually impaired person understand the book Visual Complex Analysis by Needham? I mean, in principle, e.g., even being helped by somebody with no visual impairment. IOW, can its content be conveyed by pure text, without illustrations?
  2. gmax137

    The Maniac, by Benjamin Labatut

    Has anyone here read this https://www.amazon.com/MANIAC-Benjamin-Labatut/dp/0593654471?tag=pfamazon01-20 It is a strange book, seemingly about Johnny von Neumann. Each chapter appears to be a short essay written by von Neumann's colleages and wives. Feynman, Morgenstern, ... As I read this I...
  3. G

    Looking for recommendations for a good Antenna book

    I’ve recently restored a Cossor 501 valve (tube) radio, which can receive LW, MW and SW. It has an external antenna socket (for SW), and I’d like to gain some knowledge on how to design and build something to plug in to it. A single wire about 20m long, draped out of the window, has enabled me...
  4. Z

    I Looking for resources to learn bra-ket notation

    hello I own two books of quantum physics In the first part the authors emphasize the bra-ket notation, explaining how important and useful it is in the second part, they go to pratical examples no mention of brackets , they just use the Schrodinger's equation.... may you suggest a book or an...
  5. H

    A Proving an equation in a book about Periodic Structures

    Hello everyone, I am reading some book titled: Periodic Structures: Mode-Matching Approach and Applications in Electromagnetic Engineering. In Chapter 2, there is an equation as follows: where . Here the electric field is along the transverse x − y plane like the propagation vector kt. Now it...
  6. O

    I Importance of Moment of Inertia for designing helicopters and propellers?

    is there any book or academic web page "that explains that importance of moment of inertia for designing helicopter and propeller". Actually i have idea why it is important i just need a reference.
  7. immortalsameer13

    What is the Best Thermodynamics Book for Bachelor's Study?

    but at the same time give true essence of fundamental quantities i.e. what truely is heat? I have read couple of books where each book gives definition of quantities but not its essence.
  8. Theia

    Geometry Looking for a good book about trigonometry

    Hi all! I've never been studied the identities and such of secant, cosecant and cotangent. Yet I think, it would be useful to have them in my toolbox. Thus I'm asking, if anyone would know a reasonable book or other kind of material (paper or pdf) about trigonometry that has brief theory...
  9. M

    I Adler's New Book on Relativity: Misprint on Page 16?

    I bought a copy of Adler's new book on relativity. Is there a misprint on page 16 regarding the Lorentz metric = diag (-1,-1,-1,-1) or am I missing something? The text itself after the equation suggests it is the same metric as on the earlier page so that index placement, two lower indices vs...
  10. C

    Work energy KE theorem for a book being lifted up in a gravitional field

    For this, From the work kinetic energy theorem, if we assume that the book and the earth is the system, and that the finial and inital speed of the system is zero, then is the work KE theorem there is no net work done on the system. However, clearly there is work done on the system is shown by...
  11. StenEdeback

    Classical Looking for book about relativistic classical field theory

    Hi, I am trying to learn relativistic classical field theory as a preparation for studying quantum field theory. I am currently reading chapter 13 i Herbert Goldstein's Classical Mechanics edition 3, but I think that this book is a bit too brief and does not fully derive and explain the...
  12. CaliforniaRoll88

    Does the book have an error in the addition of these two vectors?

    (a) $$\vec A = -\vec M+2\vec N=26\hat a_x+10\hat a_y+4\hat a_z$$ Unit Vector Formula $$\hat a_A=\frac{26\hat a_x+10\hat a_y+4\hat a_z}{\sqrt {26^2+10^2+4^2}}$$ $$0.923\hat a_x+0.355\hat a_y+0.142\hat a_z$$ The book gives ##0.92\hat a_x+0.36\hat a_y+0.4\hat a_z## Not sure how the book get 0.4 for...
  13. hachi44

    I Principles of Quantum Mechanics - Hans C. Ohanian - 0137127952

    Hi. I looked everywhere for a specific book but I cannot find any pdf copy of it. The book specifics are below: Publication Name: Principles of Quantum Mechanics Author: Hans C. Ohanian Publisher: Benjamin Cummings Publishing Company ISBN-10: 0137127952 ISBN-13L 9780137127955 I would...
  14. shivajikobardan

    Other Book to learn system administration using CentOS Linux?

    Recommend the best out of the bunch. I am visual learner so book with lots of pics, codes would be immensely useful.
  15. S

    Engineering The value of "k" for spring constant, is the book answer incorrect?

    There is some discussion currently and I was hoping to get some opinions here. The question is in regard to a Hook's law problem. The text gives the problem as seen below. The text says the answer is 50lb/in. Several people have tried from several different approaches. Factoring the "y" equation...
  16. RyanJ

    Astrophysics Book Around the Subjects of Supernovae and Stellar Remenants

    Hi all! It has been quite a while since I last posted here. Again. I'm currently interested in supernovae and the exotic stellar remnants that are left behind from such events. I'm interested in the physics and science surrounding this subject, it's something that I currently have an interest...
  17. P

    A Question about Weinberg Book QFT1 (5.1.13)

    According to (5.1.6) $$U_0(\Lambda,a)\psi_\ell^+(x)U^{-1}_0(\Lambda,a)=\sum\limits_{\ell \bar{\ell}}D_{ \ell \bar{\ell} }(\Lambda^{-1})\psi^+_{\bar{\ell}}(\Lambda x+a).$$ (5.1.6) According to definition 5.1.4: $$\psi^+_{\bar{\ell}}(\Lambda x+a)=\sum\limits_{\sigma n}\int d^3{\bf p }...
  18. V9999

    Book recommendations about singular points of algebraic curves

    I'm not quite sure if this is an appropriate question in this forum, but here is the situation. I have just finished my graduate studies. Now, I want to explore algebraic geometry. Precisely, I am interested in the following topics: Singular points of algebraic curves; General methods employed...
  19. brainbaby

    Searching a book's contents instead of a book title on internet archives?

    hi.. I am using internet archives for searching a book. Normally the method of searching a book on internet archives is as follows-- we enter a word/ phrase/ book title that we want to search in the search tab and hit the search button, the result that is displayed are all the books that have...
  20. A

    Calculus Calculus book between Stewart & Spivak levels

    Hi, Are there calculus books that lie between Stewart (or Thomas) level and Spivak (Courant/Apostol) level? Thanks.
  21. M

    A book rests at an angle against one side of a bookshelf...

    1.52cos(31)+Fbsin(Θb) = (0.305)(9.8) Fbsin(Θb) = 1.69 Now for horizontal direction: Fbcos(Θb) = FLsin(ΘL) cos(Θb) = FLsin(ΘL)/Fb cos(Θb) = (1.52 x sin31)/1.69 cosΘb=0.464 Θb = 62.35 I thought to find Fb I would just plug the Θb value into one of the trig functions, but apparently both of my...
  22. Antitank_Borshch

    Help me come up with shock effect preventing technology (sci-fi book)

    There is a problem in my technological concept that does not allow the normal development of the plot of the book. It takes place on an ocean planet where being above sea level is absolutely dangerous with the level of technology that exists there. So all combat operations there take place...
  23. M

    Physics Book Recommendations for Self-Study at Undergraduate Level?

    TL;DR Summary: Physics book recommendation Hi everyone, I just found this site and I'm thankful for that. I want to study Physics as a pure science but in my city there is no bachelors degree, so I want to study by myself if it's possible. I just don't know where to start or what books should...
  24. String theory guy

    Newton's Third Law for book on a table

    This problem is from MIT's module again. I have a doubt about Newton's Third Law. How is the normal and weight of the book not Newton's 3rd Law pairs? When the book is placed on the table, I imagine that the book's weight exerts a force on the table and the table exerts and equal and...
  25. Argonaut

    Mathematical Methods Book That Uses SI Units

    I'm looking for an undergraduate-level 'mathematical methods' or 'engineering mathematics' book that uses SI units for the purpose of self-study. I've had my eyes on Zill's Advanced Engineering Mathematics, but it seems to use US customary units. So ideally I'm looking for a book that covers...
  26. Ahmed1029

    I Is this just a typo in Schutz' book on General Relativity?

    I'm wondering is I'm missing something, or this should be " a non-zero component"?
  27. S

    Are there online cosmology book clubs for studying together?

    Wondering if there are any online “book clubs” that people read cosmology textbooks together?
  28. H

    Good introductory book on statistical/data analysis?

    TL;DR Summary: I'm looking for a book on statistical/data analysis. Hey all. I've been doing statistical analysis in my research (such as using PCA and LDA), but I have never received a formal education on statistical analysis or data mining, and what I know about analysis is quite scattered...
  29. P

    Book recommendations: Abstract Algebra for self-study

    Hello, I am looking for one or more books in combination for self-study of abstract algebra. Desirable would be a good structure of the book with good examples of sentences and definitions. Of course, exercise problems should not be missing. I am now almost tending to buy the Algebra 0 book by...
  30. murshid_islam

    Any other books like David Acheson's "The Wonder Book of Geometry"?

    TL;DR Summary: Looking for books similar to "The Wonder Book of Geometry" by David Acheson I loved David Acheson's "The Wonder Book of Geometry". Can you recommend other books like that?
  31. N

    I Why does the answer key sometimes have a different form compared to my solution?

    When I solve the equation sometimes the answer in the answer keys is different but the same. Why do they do that? For example: After solving the equation I got 1/√2 which is the same as √2/2 because we multiplied it by √2/√2. Is there any good explanation why the book writer mathematicians like...
  32. murshid_islam

    What would be a good book for learning Linear Algebra by myself?

    Summary: What would be a good book for learning Linear Algebra by myself in my situation (which is explained in my post below)? I did an undergraduate Linear Algebra course about 18 years ago. The textbook we used was Howard Anton’s “Elementary Linear Algebra”. The problem is that I never...
  33. gleem

    Explore Banned Book Week & Its Impact on Free Speech

    I did not know that September 18th to the 22nd has been "Banned Book Week" since 1982. It is interesting that a country that has such a devotion to and legally protects free speech should need such an event. It is also curious that a country that permits yellow journalism prominently sold in...
  34. F

    A Puzzled about Section 3.12 of Jackson's E&M book

    Hi wizards, I'm working through Jackson's book on E&M (3rd edition) and got stuck in section 3.12 on expansions of Green functions. I have three questions regarding section 3.12: First, why is Jackson trying to find a Green function that satisfies equation 3.156? To my beginner mind, it...
  35. A

    Book recommendations (abstract algebra and number theory)

    Hi, For an engineer who graduated and finished typical Cal A,B,C + Linear Algebra + ODE, what book do you recommend to start reading to be a transition to advanced pure math subjects like abstract algebra and number theory? I did deep google search & concluded that that book supposed to include...
  36. N

    Please recommend a free pdf book about university-level mathematics for me

    Homework Statement:: Recommend PDF books Relevant Equations:: . Hi, I'm a second-year physics student and my uni doesn't have any study material in the syllabus. Only lectures. I want to learn more. Can you recommend to me a good mathematics pdf book that is about calculus? General topics...
  37. H

    Calculus Differential Equations book recommendations

    I ordered Differential Equations and Boundary Value Problem ( Computing and Modelling) by Edwards and Penney. There are several things in the book which I don't like Too much focus is given to modelling, almost every topic is explained not from mathematical point of view but from application...
  38. StenEdeback

    I Best book for Lagrangian of classical, scalar, relativistic field?

    Hi all experts! I would like to read about the Lagrangian of a classical (non-quantum), real, scalar, relativistic field and how it is derived. What is the best book for that purpose?Sten Edebäck
  39. Manuel Cardoso

    Calculus book for 14 year old physics enthusiast

    Hello, I'm trying to learn calculus, what books would you recommend? For a beginner.
  40. apostolosdt

    Is Feynman the "wise guy" in Zee's QFT book?

    Zee, in his QFT in a nutshell, tells that beautiful story about a "wise guy" who, through his annoying questions to the professor, actually describes a fundamental principle of quantum mechanics, essential to Feynman's approach to quantum phenomena (pp. 9 in Zee's). Now, Zee appears to imply...
  41. G

    A Solving Equation 15.43 Line 2 to 3 in Tevian Dray's Differential Forms

    The equality is implied in the move from equation 15.43 line 2 to line 3. I do find Dray's book is admirably clear and absolutely says something I wish to understand, but my 78 year old brain has difficulty. However, in this case I can be precise about where I fail to follow. Oh! I find...
  42. bigmike94

    Comparing Book A & B: Which to Read First?

    Summary: Would somebody be kind enough to explain the difference between these books and what order would be most natural to read them in. Thank you
  43. MidgetDwarf

    Studying Book recommendations to start learning programming for project Euler

    I do not know much about programming. I have used Mathematica, and some Python in the past for very specific problems. Any book recommendations for one wanting to learn programming in order to solve problems from Project Euler. I am familiar with number theory, but not with programming.
  44. C

    A How to interpret this equation in Szabo & Ostlund's book

    I am trying to interpret equation 1.48a on page 11 in Szabo & Ostlund's "Modern Quantum Chemistry". What purpose does the index j serve? Is j another basis? Why do we need j?Reference: Szabo, A., & Ostlund, N. S. (1996). Modern quantum chemistry: Introduction to advanced electronic...
  45. C

    How can I get my scientific book published?

    i will finish my book <the mathematical companion to quantum field theory and fundmental interactiond>,someone can help me contact a publisher to publish this book?
  46. Trysse

    Looking for the title of a book I read years ago

    Maybe you can help. Years ago I read a book. Unfortunately I can neither remeber the name of the book nor of the author. In the Story mankind has made it to the stars with faster than light space ships.. Than they develop kind of portals that make the ships redundant. Travel by portal much...
  47. R

    Book Recommendation for learning about the Higgs Boson (layman level)

    Summary: Non-Mathematical Description of the Higgs Boson I seek a recommendation for a book written for the layman describing the physics of the Higgs boson and related topics. Books that I have found tend towards the history leading up to the discovery of the Higgs or biographies of Peter...
  48. nsaspook

    History "The Lightning Tamers" (Nonfiction history of science book)

    A great channel. https://www.youtube.com/c/KathyLovesPhysicsHistory Kathy Loves Physics & History
  49. C

    I Hartree-Fock / Szabo & Ostlund book

    Hello everyone, I have a large number of questions pertaining to Hartree-Fock theory, as well some things I need clarified as I go through the book, "Modern Quantum Chemistry: Introduction to Advanced Electronic Structure Theory" by Attila Szabo and Neil S. Ostlund. Is this the correct forum...
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