E146 -- Reflexions sur quelques loix generales de la nature qui s'observent dans les effets des forces quelconques
(Reflection on some general laws of nature which are observed in the effects of random forces)
Summary:
(based on C. Truesdell's An idiot's fugitive essays on science: methods, criticisms, training,
circumstances)
In this paper, Euler proves that given the static principle, he can derive the equilibrium
conditions for a fluid, and from these, he obtains the integrability conditions for a
"Pfaffian" form in three variables. He also looks at the equilibrium of a weight suspended
from three elastic cords by looking, via analogy, to a special case of the problem for fluids.
According to C. G. J. Jacobi, a treatise with this title was presented to the Berlin Academy on
February 6, 1749.
Publication:
-
Originally published in Mémoires de l'académie des sciences de Berlin 4, 1750, pp. 189-218
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Opera Omnia: Series 2, Volume 5, pp. 38 - 63
Documents Available:
- Original publication: E146
- E146 can be viewed or downloaded from Digitalisierte Akademieschriften und Schriften zur Geschichte der Königlich Preußischen Akademie der Wissenschaften, which includes serial publications of the Prussian Academy of Science in the 18th and 19th Centuries.
- 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 E146 include:
- Dias PMC., “Euler's "harmony" between the principles of "rest" and "least action" - the conceptual making of analytical mechanics.” Archive for History of Exact Sciences, 54 (1), pp. 67-86 (1999).
- Grattanguinness I., “Work for the workers - advances in engineering mechanics and instruction in France, 1800-1830.” Annals of Sciences, 41 (1), pp. 1-33 (1984).
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