E126 -- De novo genere oscillationum

(On a new type of oscillation)

Summary:

(based on C. Truesdell's An idiot's fugitive essays on science: methods, criticisms, training, circumstances)

This paper contains the first analysis of a single harmonically-driven oscillator. By gradual trials and transformations of cases, Euler discovers the phenomenon of resonance mathematically, providing an example of a purely mathematical rediscovery of a major physical phenomenon.

According to the records, it was presented to the St. Petersburg Academy on December 4, 1738, and again on March 30, 1739. The beginning of the treatise indicates that it was inspired by a piece presented by G. W. Krafft on December 4, 1738, so the second presentation date must be more accurate.

Publication:

Originally published in Commentarii academiae scientiarum Petropolitanae 11, 1750, pp. 128-149
Opera Omnia: Series 2, Volume 10, pp. 78 - 97

Documents Available:

Original publication: E126 (in the Commentarii, Volume 11)
The Euler Archive attempts to monitor current scholarship for articles and books that may be of interest to Euler Scholars. Selected references we have found that discuss or cite E125 include:
- Ferraro G., “Convergence and formal manipulation of series from the origins of calculus to about 1730.” Annals of Science, 59 (2), pp. 179-199 (Apr 2002).

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