The Evolution of Physics: The Growth of Ideas from Early Concepts to Relativity and Quanta.

EINSTEIN, Albert & Infeld.

Item Number: 116740

Cambridge: Cambridge University Press, 1938.

First edition of this classic work, which traces the development of ideas in physics. Octavo, original blue cloth. Association copy, inscribed by Albert Einstein on the front free endpaper, “To Dr. Rowntree with kindest regards A. Einstein 1941.” The recipient, Dr. Leonard Rowntree  is most well known for pioneering kidney research including the Rowntree test for kidney function; dialysis; the intravenous pyelogram and plasmapheresis. He joined Dr. John J. Abel at Johns Hopkins University in 1907, and in 1912 they developed the first artificial kidney, in the form of the dialysis machine. Rowntree would later move to the Mayo Clinic and is widely credited with creating the research tradition there. In 1946, President Harry Truman awarded Rowntree the Medal for Merit for his work as chief of the medical division of the Selective Service System from 1940 to 1945. Near fine in a very good price-clipped dust jacket. An exceptional association.

On publication The Saturday Review of Literature praised Evolution of Physics as "masterly Einstein and Infeld’s book should do much to spread an understanding and appreciation one of the great dramas in the evolution of human thought."