Science And Music

Book Details:

• Author: Sir James Jeans

• Brand: Dover

• Edition: New

• Binding: Paperback

• Number of Pages: 274

• Release Date: 01-06-1968

• EAN: 9780486619644

• Package Dimensions: 8.3 x 5.3 x 0.4 inches

• Languages: English

About the Book:

Science and Music by Sir James Jeans is a masterful work that explores the physical analysis of musical sounds. This book is celebrated as the best exposition on the subject and offers an intellectual yet accessible exploration of how science and music intersect.

Jeans, a renowned British scientist, presents the subject in a manner that is non-technical and engaging, making it ideal for both the amateur music lover and the serious student of music. The book covers the following key topics:

1. The Development of Hearing – An introduction to how the human ear perceives sound and how each sound can be represented by a curve.

2. Properties of Sound-Curves – An investigation into why certain sounds produce pleasure, while others cause discomfort. The book also discusses how sound can be transmitted without distortion, including how sound is affected as it moves through electronic equipment.

3. Tuning-Forks and Pure Tones – The use of tuning-forks to create pure tones and their role in understanding sound's properties.

4. Vibrations and Harmonics – An explanation of how different instruments create sound, specifically focusing on the vibrations of strings and air. Harmony and discord are also discussed in this context.

5. Transmission of Sound – A detailed analysis of how sound travels from its source to the eardrum and the brain. The book also touches upon the acoustics of concert halls.

6. Theory of Acoustics – A comprehensive general theory of acoustics and its practical applications in the analysis and understanding of sound.

Science and Music is recognized for its ability to combine scientific rigor with a musical understanding, making it a rare and valuable work. It is lauded for being intellectually stimulating while remaining clear and comprehensible, earning praise as a minor classic in the field. This book is a must-read for those interested in the intersection of science and music.