Treatise on Light by Christiaan Huygens, book cover
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Treatise on Light

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First published
1690
Pages
65
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Listen to Treatise on Light Audiobook Free

Read by Availle · 4 h 43 min · 13 parts

  1. Preface and Note by the Translator

    9:27

  2. I: On Rays Propagated in Straight Lines, Part 1

    23:13

  3. I: On Rays Propagated in Straight Lines, Part 2

    21:10

  4. II: On Reflexion

    12:14

  5. III: On Refraction, Part 1

    13:04

  6. III: On Refraction, Part 2

    23:38

  7. IV: On the Refraction of the Air

    13:42

  8. V: On the Strange Refraction of Iceland Chrystal, Part 1

    22:17

  9. V: On the Strange Refraction of Iceland Chrystal, Part 2

    40:05

  10. V: On the Strange Refraction of Iceland Chrystal, Part 3

    29:05

  11. V: On the Strange Refraction of Iceland Chrystal, Part 4

    26:12

  12. VI: On the Figures of the Transparent Bodies, Part 1

    21:42

  13. VI: On the Figures of the Transparent Bodies, Part 2

    27:32

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About this book

Light bending through glass and splitting into two images inside a crystal gives Christiaan Huygens a problem to explain through waves. In this scientific treatise, he develops arguments about the travel of light, reflection, refraction and the effects of the atmosphere. The English translation by Silvanus P. Thompson includes a note explaining the author's terminology and placing his ideas within the history of optics.

The discussion of Iceland crystal shows how closely Huygens connects observation with a proposed mechanism. He considers spherical and spheroidal waves, the arrangement of particles and differences in the speed at which light spreads. Candle flames and window panes viewed through rock crystal provide further evidence for his reasoning.

About the author

Christiaan Huygens - BDeBooks
Christiaan Huygens

Christiaan Huygens (1629-1695) was a Dutch mathematician, physicist, astronomer and inventor. As an astronomer he studied the rings of Saturn and found its largest moon, Titan, and as an inventor he created the pendulum clock. He was a Fellow of the Royal Society. His book "Treatise on Light" sets out a mathematical and mechanical account of light.

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Book facts

First published
1690
Reading time
About 3 hours
Pages
65
Language
English
Genre
Physics
Formats
PDF, EPUB, Read online, Audiobook
Audio read by
Availle