The first book: Celestial Encounters: The Origins of Chaos and Stability
It is truly unexpected that the study of the N-body problem in celestial mechanics has led to the development of so many modern mathematical theories. In fact, the N-body problem remains unsolved to this day, which might not be a bad thing. Because it has not been completely conquered, the "N-body problem" remains a "goose that lays golden eggs"!
This book is part of the Princeton Science Library. Through accessible language, the author narrates the historical development of celestial mechanics and dynamical systems theory, allowing readers to experience the exciting stories within. BoJone believes that if you want to understand the development of analytical dynamics (especially celestial mechanics), this book is a rare and valuable read. As a pre-introductory text for chaos and stability theory, this book is also very suitable. The key to reading history is: learn how to think!
Douban: http://book.douban.com/subject/1048552/
Sansi Science Book Review: http://www.oursci.org/archive/magazine/200203/020326.htm
Download: Celestial Encounters: The Origins of Chaos and Stability.pdf
The second book: The Equation That Couldn’t Be Solved (Genius and Symmetry)
In modern times, the primary content of algebra has been solving equations. This book mainly tells the story of the difficult lives of two young mathematical geniuses—Abel and Galois—along with commentary on the growth of genius. At the same time, it is a history of the solution to n-th degree algebraic equations; in a sense, it is also a popular science book on group theory and symmetry.
(What a wonderful thing: the previous book discussed "chaos," and this one discusses "symmetry." One is disordered and the other is ordered; isn’t this itself a kind of "symmetry"? How harmonious...)
We are all vibrant and passionate youths, and the stories of these two mathematical geniuses will undoubtedly attract us deeply; at least, BoJone was attracted in this way. Furthermore, the content from Chapter 6 onwards provides a popular introduction to group theory, which will serve as a foundation for BoJone’s future study of the subject!
Douban: http://book.douban.com/subject/3084452/
Download: The Equation That Couldn’t Be Solved.pdf
Please include the original address when reprinting: https://kexue.fm/archives/1363
For more detailed reprinting matters, please refer to: Scientific Space FAQ