The Principles of Quantum Mechanics
Cover of the 4th edition (1958) | |
| Author | Paul Dirac |
|---|---|
| Language | English |
| Subject | Quantum mechanics |
| Genres | Non-fiction |
| Publisher | Oxford University Press |
Publication date | 1930 (1st ed.) 1935 (2nd ed.) 1947 (3rd ed.) 1958 (4th ed.) 1967 (4th ed., revised) |
| Publication place | United Kingdom |
| Media type | |
| Pages | 357 (1st ed.) 314 (4th ed.) |
The Principles of Quantum Mechanics is an influential monograph written by Paul Dirac and first published by Oxford University Press in 1930. In this book, Dirac presents quantum mechanics in a formal, logically consistent, and axiomatic fashion, making the book the first of its kind. It is based on matrices and operators rather than wave–particle duality. Its 82 sections contain 785 equations with no diagrams. Nor does it have an index, a bibliography, or a list of suggestions for further reading. The first half of the book lays down the foundations of quantum mechanics while the second half focuses on its applications. Dirac did not pursue a historical approach to the subject. Nor did he discuss at length the philosophy of quantum mechanics.