Top 10 Physics & Math Works of All Time

In summary, the top 10 physics and mathematics works of all time include Newton's Principia, Euclid's Elements, Galileo's Discourses, Einstein's On the Electrodynamics of Moving Bodies, A Treatise on Electricity and Magnetism by James Clerk Maxwell, The Theory of Linear Extension and The Theory of Extension by Hermann Grassmann, Analysis Situs by Henri Poincare, works by Alexander Grothendieck and Grigori Perelman, and The Archimedes Palimpsest.
  • #1
Geremia
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What are the top 10 physics and mathematics works of all time? I would definitely put Newton's Principia, Euclid's Elements, Galileo's Discourses, Einstein's On the Electrodynamics of Moving Bodies, etc., on the list, but what else?
 
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  • #2
A Treatise on Electricity and Magnetism by James Clerk Maxwell is one for physics.

Although I've never read his work, http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hermann_Grassmann" wrote two major papers/texts, (1) The Theory of Linear Extension, a New Branch of Mathematics and (2) The Theory of Extension, Thoroughly and Rigorously Treated. In these he created linear algebra (and in the form we know it today), and his work lead to the later development of differential forms and exterior algebra. This work is significant because although revolutionary, it was ignored his entire life, never credited, and he remained a high school teacher, never attaining a professorship.

Also, Analysis Situs by Henri Poincare, a treatise on algebraic topology.

There's probably something by Alexander Grothendieck that deserves to be on this list, but I'm not familiar enough with his work. His work is also rather fragmented due to his isolation.

Although it there is a natural feeling that only works that created whole fields (which is rare) should go on here, Grigori Perelman's proof of the Poincare Conjecture is a huge feat of mathematics.

And last, but not least, Calculus by James Stewart...hahahahaha.
 
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  • #3
I forgot! The Archimedes Palimpsest, which contain his most influential works.
 

1. What are the "Top 10 Physics & Math Works of All Time"?

The "Top 10 Physics & Math Works of All Time" refers to a list of influential and groundbreaking works in the fields of physics and mathematics that have significantly advanced our understanding of the universe and the laws that govern it. These works have had a lasting impact on scientific research and continue to be studied and referenced today.

2. How were the "Top 10 Physics & Math Works of All Time" selected?

The selection of the "Top 10 Physics & Math Works of All Time" was based on a combination of factors including the impact, significance, and breakthrough contributions of each work to their respective fields. The list was also curated by a panel of experts in the fields of physics and mathematics.

3. Can you provide some examples of works included in the "Top 10 Physics & Math Works of All Time" list?

Some examples of works included in the "Top 10 Physics & Math Works of All Time" list are Sir Isaac Newton's "Principia Mathematica," Albert Einstein's theory of relativity, and Max Planck's quantum theory. Other notable works include Euclid's "Elements," Galileo's "Dialogue Concerning the Two Chief World Systems," and Stephen Hawking's "A Brief History of Time."

4. Are there any recent works that have made it into the "Top 10 Physics & Math Works of All Time" list?

The "Top 10 Physics & Math Works of All Time" list is a dynamic and evolving compilation, and it is not limited to works from a specific time period. While many of the works on the list were published centuries ago, there are also more recent works that have made it onto the list, such as Andrew Wiles' proof of Fermat's Last Theorem in 1994.

5. Can someone who is not a scientist understand and appreciate the "Top 10 Physics & Math Works of All Time"?

While some of the concepts and theories presented in the "Top 10 Physics & Math Works of All Time" may be complex, many of the works on the list have had a significant impact on our everyday lives and can be understood and appreciated by non-scientists. These works have helped shape our understanding of the world and the universe and continue to inspire awe and curiosity in people of all backgrounds.

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