Books You Wish Were Available Back in the Day

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the desire for certain mathematical and physics textbooks to have been available during participants' earlier academic experiences, specifically during undergraduate, graduate, or postdoctoral studies. The focus is on comparing the utility and features of various books that were available at the time versus those that are more recent.

Discussion Character

  • Meta-discussion

Main Points Raised

  • One participant expresses a wish for the availability of "Arfken and Weber: Mathematical Physics" during their studies, suggesting it would have been beneficial.
  • Another participant mentions the "CRC Handbook of Mathematical Stuff" as a resource they had, indicating it was the closest alternative to the desired book.
  • A third participant notes they still possess the "CRC (Chemical Rubber Co.) Standard Mathematical Tables, 15th Ed." from their earlier academic days.
  • One participant prefers the "Schaum's Outlines Mathematical Handbook" for its visual content and detailed discussions on coordinate systems, highlighting its portability as an advantage for classroom use.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants share personal preferences for different mathematical resources, but there is no consensus on a single preferred book or resource. The discussion reflects varied experiences and opinions without resolving which book is superior.

Contextual Notes

Participants reference specific editions and features of the books mentioned, but there are no detailed comparisons or evaluations of their content or pedagogical effectiveness.

Who May Find This Useful

Individuals interested in the evolution of mathematical and physics textbooks, as well as those reflecting on their academic resources during their studies.

George Jones
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Which more recent books do you wish had been available when you were an undergrad student, grad student, or postdoc?
 
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Arfken and Weber: Mathematical Physics or something similar.

The closest book I had to it was the CRC Handbook of Mathematical Stuff and the Schaum's Outlines Mathematical Handbook
 
jedishrfu said:
CRC Handbook of Mathematical Stuff
I still have CRC (Chemical Rubber Co.) Standard Mathematical Tables, 15th Ed. I've had it since "back in the day."
 
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My preference was the Schaum's as it had more pictures and a detailed discussion on coordinate systems, ones I'd never heard before. Also it was a bit lighter and easier to carry to class.
 

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