North-Holland Personal Library: Physics in the Making

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H.B.G. Casimir's life and contributions are closely linked to significant developments in physics throughout the century. This compilation, created by his friends and admirers for his 80th birthday, primarily highlights his achievements in physics while also touching on his interests in the history and philosophy of the discipline. The book is organized into four parts. Part I focuses on Casimir's influential teachers—Ehrenfest, Bohr, and Pauli—offering insights into their pivotal roles in modern physics. Part II features essays on contemporary advancements in physics that have engaged Casimir, including discussions on the modern concept of time and the statistical foundations of electrodynamic theory and field theory. Part III highlights topics related to Casimir's involvement in industrial research, addressing past, present, and future expectations in this field. Part IV presents an essay on a current philosophical debate in physics, which posits that phenomenological laws take precedence over fundamental laws in experimental and technical contexts, along with a critical analysis of this perspective. The book concludes with an appendix detailing Casimir's experiences as a lecturer, contributed by a former student.