history of physics (2016)

The first History of Physics collection, sold in 2016 to the American Institute of Physics, is now housed in institution’s Niels Bohr Library & Archives. The collection comprises nearly 4,000 works documenting the most significant discoveries and innovations in physics from the 16th through the 21st centuries, including works by Claudius Ptolemy, Galileo Galilei, Christiaan Huygens, Edmond Halley, Isaac Newton, Marie Curie, and others.

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“this tremendously expands and deepens our rare item collection in particular at the library. its value is not just in the individual items that are in the collection, but the way they’ve been collected, the way they’ve been catalogued and the stories they tell in and around the discoveries.”

— Michael Moloney, CEO, American Institute of Physics

Reviews of History of physics

  • "History of Physics: The Wenner Collection provides an excellent introduction to the development of physics over many centuries while also describing a remarkable collection of original scientific papers. The text is well researched and provides remarkable perspectives across all of physics, including the development of experimental techniques, an often neglected subject. I learned a lot from my first browsing and expect to reach for it on my shelf for years to come."

    Lars Bildsten, Ph.D., Director, Kavli Institute for Theoretical Physics

  • "David Wenner has created an extraordinary personal collection of many of the world’s most important scientific articles, which he has cataloged and commented on in this masterful compendium. Look at any scientific subject in this book and you will be amazed by the depth and thoughtfulness of the presentation you will find. If you were to have a single guide to many of the important scientific developments throughout history, this would be the companion to have."

    Robert B. Hallock, Ph.D., Distinguished Professor, Department of Physics University of Massachusetts in Amherst

  • "The Wenner Collection is a remarkable annotation of first-published accounts of important scientific discoveries in physics spanning 350 years. Organized by major topics, the volume summarizes the concepts and provides the context of important advances. In my experience as an educator, the collection has proven to be a valuable resource for finding material to enhance instruction that engages students in the history of physics and the nature of scientific discovery."

    Elizabeth McCormack, Ph.D., Associate Provost and Professor of Physics Bryn Mawr College

  • "This is a remarkable, encyclopedic collection of the first, and most important, papers published in all the major areas of physics over the last 350 years. It is a unique effort to my knowledge and has great value to a broad range of audiences."

    Patrick S. Osmer, Ph.D., Distinguished Professor of Mathematical & Physical Sciences Vice Provost for Graduate Studies Dean of the Graduate School Faculty Ohio State University

  • "History of Physics: The Wenner Collection is a “must read” for all students of science – and anyone who enjoys a great story about interesting people. Understanding the historical pathways to major discoveries in science is both stimulating and joyful. Wenner’s book provides a glimpse into the lives and signature achievements of great scholars of science."

    Robert N. Shelton, Ph.D., President, Research Corporation for Science Advancement Previous President, University of Arizona

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