The Physical Foundation of Economics: An Analytical Thermodynamic Theory

Book Description

All human activities, including mental activities, are governed by physical laws and are essentially thermodynamic processes. However, current economic theories are not established on these foundations. This pioneering book seeks to develop an analytical theory of economics on the foundation of thermodynamic laws. A unified understanding of economic and social phenomena is presented, an understanding that is much simpler than what mainstream economic theory has to offer. Its aim is to revolutionize thinking in economics and transform social sciences into an integral part of the physical and biological sciences.

Customer Reviews:

Best New Idea in Economics in Years.......2006-04-09

Before I begin this review, let me just say that I was a student of Jing Chen so there will naturally be some bias here, but I will try to be fare.
This book presents a theory that bridges the well ordered world of physics and the chaotic world of economics. It goes a long way in explaining why the world of human structures and systems are the way they are and suggests that, perhaps, the world is not as unpredictable, chaotic or complex as the dismal science would have us believe. This book contains a fundamental idea that leaves readers thinking, "that's so simple and obvious, I could of thought of that".
Unfortunately the book does suffer from being too complex for a wide audience. Some people will be intimidated by the mathematics involved, but if you can get past the math this book is very worthwhile. A "dumbed down" version would be nice to see so this profound idea could be brought to a wider audience.

Pioneer work linking economics and physics.......2005-12-21

I read the whole book. The author did a pioneer work in using physics principle to explain social and economical phenomenon. The author also demonstrated his deep concern about the environmental effect of economic development.

Book Description

The first volume of Women and Work examines differences among women -- as well as differences between men and women -- related to nationality, ethnicity, social class, and sexual preference. Volume One contains an analysis of earnings differentials. It is an exciting discussion illustrating different explanations for this subject. It concludes that despite the fact that women are seen to be making inroads into various professions (such as business, medicine, and the military), many remain in traditionally 'female', low-paying jobs. Research reveals that when women are employed in jobs traditionally associated with men, they usually receive less pay than their male counterparts.

Book Description

Arthropod pests cause huge annual losses in global crop production and transmit a number of infectious diseases. The control of such pests is therefore of the utmost importance. This text provides an up-to-date, detailed overview of current approaches including chemical pest control, the use of biological and biorational control agents, and the latest developments in biotechnology. While an introductory text for students in the fields of pest control, entomology, crop protection, and agricultural and environmental sciences, the volume is also aimed at professional pest control practitioners and government employees in extension services.

Invasive Arthropods in Agriculture: Problems and Solutions

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Invasive Arthropods in Agriculture: Problems and Solutions

Manufacturer: Science Publishers
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

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ASIN: 1578081726

Book Description

Superb introduction for nonspecialists to important areas of modern physics covers major concepts: Feynman diagrams, quasi particles, Fermi systems at finite temperature, superconductivity, vacuum amplitude, Dyson's equation, ladder approximation, and much more. "A great delight to read." — Physics Today. 1974 edition.

Customer Reviews:

What can I add?.......2005-06-19

I can hardly add anything to the praise given to this book by other reviewers. Though one should, undoubtedly, get acquainted with more serious books on the subject, I have to confess that I am still unaware of the book that presents the material together with the terms used in the scientific papers.

For example, I greatly admire the book by Abrikosov's et al. (AGD), and I completely agree that after reading it (and Keldysh paper) one is completely prepared to using Green's functions in serious research. But the terms like "rainbow", "bubble", "particle-particle" and "particle-hole" propagatprs, though widely used and simetimes semi-obvious, are not discussed systematically in any of the celebrated AGD, Mahan, Fetter&Walecka, Negele&Orland etc.

Thus, the Mattuck's book appear to be not only funny, useful, and explaining a lot of physics (where its value can be compared with the quantum mechanical parts of the Feynman Lectures on Physics), but it also briges a gap in terminology between the basic text and the scientific slang.

In conclusion, I deeply regret that there is no similar book on Schwingers approach to the many-body physics.

Who says QFT is not fun to teach?.......2002-08-20

This book is a counterexample to the idea that one cannot write a book on quantum field theory and keep a sense of humour. Quantum field theory of course is notoriously difficult, both in terms of its conceptual foundations and in calculating meaningful answers from its formalism. Perturbation theory has been the most succesful of the methods of calculation in quantum field theory, and the visualization of the terms of the perturbation series is greatly assisted by the use of Feynman diagrams. The author has done a great job in the elucidation of these diagrams, and readers will not only have fun reading this book but will also take away needed expertise in moving on to more advanced presentations of quantum field theory. Some readers may object to the pictorial, playful way in which the author explains some of the concepts, but he does not depart from the essential physics. Mathematicians who want to understand quantum field theory can also gain much from the reading of this book. Although not rigorous from a mathematical standpoint, the presentation will given them sorely needed intuition. Quantum field theory has resulted in an explosion of very interesting results in mathematics, particularly in the field of differential topology, and mathematicians need this kind of a presentation to assist them in the understanding of quantum field theory and how to apply it to mathematics (and the other way around). In addition, readers intending to enter the field of condensed matter physics will appreciate the clarity of the author's treatment, drawing as it does on many examples from that field. This includes a brief introduction to finite temperature quantum field theory.

The use of mnemonics, pictures, and hand-waving arguments may be frowned upon by some, but as long as their use is supported by solid science, their didactic power is formidable. Arguments by analogy, and by appeals to common-sense objects are of great utility in explaining the intricacies of a subject as abtruse as quantum field theory. The author for example uses a pin-ball game, with its many scatterings, as a tool for introducing the quantum propagator, even though paths of a (classical) pin-ball are not really meaningful in the quantum realm. Once done though, he proceeds to derive the perturbation series, and as an example computes the energy and lifetime of an electron in an impure metal.

The concept of a quasi-particle is exploited fully in this book to illustrate just how one can do calculations in quantum many-body theory. The reader will find ample discussion of Dyson's equation, the random phase approximation, phase transitions in Fermi systems, the Kondo problem, and the renormalization group in this book.

Happy reading.....(and teaching).....

Excellent, but maybe not enough.......2001-02-09

This is indeed an excellent book. Witty and insightful, but sometimes the ease, with which you're lead through it, is in the way of stressing the really important stuff. If you are learning diagrams for the first time, and intend to do some serious research using the technique, I believe this book is just not enough: it will leave you unprepared to do much beyond the problems in the book. You might want to consult a more rigorous book, like that of Abrikosov et al., but the style may be a bit of a shock to those not used to the Russian "condensed writing". As an introduction that is less painful, and more of a textbook, I suggest Fetter and Walecka's book, though it's out of print.

Well, not all that introductory ..........2000-07-08

It is really a very good book, and even if I agree with the definition of "pedagogical jewel" given to the quantum pinball example, I would not define this textbook an introductory one, even if a non-specialist can read it without many difficulties. I read it several years after my studies, and it represented to me a good and amusing opportunity to refresh or to learn subjects I didn't remember any more or I didn't meet in university course. And taking into account its low price, it is really worth purchasing this book.

A perfect introduction to statistical physics.......1998-05-10

This is the best book I found about Statistical Physics at an introductory level. It is a kind of book you can read almost as a novel, with a lot of examples and very clear. It is definitely the most pedagogical book about Statistical Physics ever.

A Guide to Feynman Diagrams in the Many-Body Problem

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A Guide to Feynman Diagrams in the Many-Body Problem
R.D. Mattuck
Manufacturer: McGraw-Hill Book Co.
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Unknown Binding
ASIN: B0000CNJY3

Average customer rating:

A Guide to Feynman Diagrams in the Many-Body Problem
Richard D. Mattuck
Manufacturer: McGraw-Hill Education
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback
ASIN: B000OFB4CY

Book Description

Gray, fuzzy, a little wrinkled, and waving around one helluva snout, Hansa the baby elephant was born at Woodland Park Zoo in Seattle -- and is now a star! Hansa, which means “supreme happiness” in Thai, is a rare and endangered Asian elephant born in captivity to mom Chai. Clare Meeker follows Hansa’s true-life story and tells of Chai’s difficulties getting pregnant (including a 2,000-mile roadtrip to Missouri to flirt with an 11,000-pound male!), her 22-month pregnancy, and the wondrous birth of 235-pound Hansa. Fully illustrated with full-color photographs, this fun and educational book chronicles Hansa’s remarkable birth and includes facts about elephant habitat, feeding habits, and anatomy.

Customer Reviews:

A wonderful book!.......2002-08-22

Even though this book is really written for older children, my 17-month-old son loves it too! We don't read the words to him, but he loves to look at the pictures and make elephant sounds. As he gets older, I'm sure he'll appreciate the information more, and my husband and I find it very interesting too.

The book is very well written and the pictures are great. I highly recommend it for all ages, especially if you have an elephant fan of your own at home!

About a baby elephant born in the Woodland Park Zoo.......2002-07-13

Hansa: The True Story Of An Asian Elephant Baby is a remarkable picturebook for young readers about a baby elephant born in the Woodland Park Zoo. Children will learn that Hansa was 235 pounds when born and by her first birthday had gained almost 800 pounds! Filled cover to cover with true facts about elephants and splendid color photographs from the Woodland Park Zoo, Hansa is very highly recommended for young people who want to learn more about this wondrous, exotic animal species.

Average customer rating:

good basic information

Great Book for the Beginner

Great Book for the Beginner

Great for beginners and for those needing a refresher course

Great introduction for a rookie!

The Art of Freshwater Fishing: A How-To Guide (The Hunting & Fishing Library)
Creative Publishing international
Manufacturer: Creative Publishing international
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

General | Fishing | Hunting & Fishing | Outdoors & Nature | Subjects | Books
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The Complete Guide to Freshwater Fishing (The Freshwater Angler)

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What Fish Don't Want You to Know: An Insider's Guide to Freshwater Fishing

ASIN: 0865730725

Book Description

Written for the novice as well as the experienced fisherman.

Customer Reviews:

good basic information.......2006-08-31

The book was filled with good basic information presented in a concise format. The pictures and diagrams are very helpful in learning the concepts of how, when and where and explaining them to younger children.

Great Book for the Beginner.......2002-11-19

This is a wonderful book for either the beginner. You will learn how to fish, what to fish for and what tackle you will need to take along. It does not go into any great depth on any topic but this is not what the book is designed for. It is an introductory text and a solid overview. A bonus is the beautiful photography!

Great Book for the Beginner.......2002-11-19

Great for beginners and for those needing a refresher course.......2000-08-10

I found the book to be informative enough for both beginner and intermediate fisherman (and women). With both picture and text representations to easily figure out basic concepts as well as tried and true methods for fishing.

Great introduction for a rookie!.......1999-12-01

I picked this one up a few summers ago since I didn't have much genuine fishing experience at all. This book helped me get up to speed on all facets of freshwater fishing and the knowledge I've gained through it has provided a great deal of enjoyment out on the water since then.

Average customer rating:

An interesting read

Fun reading for idle times...

good deal

Setting the Record Straight

Quinion's scholarship is peerless.

Ballyhoo, Buckaroo, and Spuds: Ingenious Tales of Words and Their Origins
Michael Quinion
Manufacturer: Collins
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

Etymology | Words & Language | Reference | Subjects | Books
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Word Origins ... and How We Know Them: Etymology for Everyone

ASIN: 0060851538
Release Date: 2006-03-14

Book Description

The cat's pajamas, the bee's knees, and the whole nine yards rolled into one, this true feast for word lovers skewers commonly accepted word-origin myths and etymological folktales. Writing with flair and authority, word maven and Oxford English Dictionary contributor Michael Quinion shows us that the real story behind a word or phrase is often much stranger than the commonly accepted one. With this book in your arsenal, you'll have the last word in every word-lover's game of one-upmanship. So if you've ever wondered why we utter such oddities as "raining cats and dogs," "I couldn't care less," or "twenty-three skidoo," this one's for you. No ballyhoo!

Customer Reviews:

An interesting read.......2007-08-31

This book is an interesting read, but not one that can lead to or even help toward to mastery of the subject (etymology). It does discuss method to some degree, but could benefit from more depth of coverage.

Fun reading for idle times..........2007-01-20

Ever browse the Oxford English Dictionary just for fun, especially for the parenthetical information about the origins of words? Ever wish those entries were longer? Well, then you'll love this book. Those of who love language and words will enjoy finding out the sources of "kangaroo" and "cop," "jury rigged" and "the real McCoy"... Often the real roots of phrases and words remain unknown, but debunking the myths is just as much fun as finding the answer... A good read!

good deal.......2007-01-18

Bought this as a Christmas present for my son, who loves word origins and wordplay type books. Very nice condition at a closeout price. Pleased with it.

Setting the Record Straight.......2006-04-25

In our electronic age, especially with the Internet, information can be disseminated more rapidly and more widely than ever before. So can misinformation. People hear a plausible and entertaining story about a word's origin and share it with others -- without bothering to check its validity. In _Ballyhoo, Buckaroo, and Spuds: Ingenious Tales of Words and Their Origins_ Michael Quinion, contributor to the _Oxford English Dictionary_ and creator of the World Wide Words website and newsletter, corrects many common misconceptions.

Quinion's scholarship is peerless........2006-01-29

As usual, Michael Quinion's meticulous scholarship and excellent writing make a fascinating and educational read.

Average customer rating:

Beautiful calligraphy

Actually, sorry for purchasing that

Truly a masterpiece for all calligraphy beginners & students

An introduction to the timeless joy of an ancient art form

The Simple Art of Chinese Calligraphy: Create Your Own Chinese Characters and Symbols for Good Fortune and Prosperity
Qu Lei
Manufacturer: Watson-Guptill Publications
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

Asian | Regional | History & Criticism | Arts & Photography | Subjects | Books
Calligraphy | Graphic Design | Design & Decorative Arts | Arts & Photography | Subjects | Books
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Zen Brushwork: Focusing the Mind with Calligraphy and Painting

ASIN: 0823048381

Book Description

Concise, delicate and practiced for over 6,000 years, Chinese calligraphy is a revered art form, known for installing a sense of grace behind the meaning of each word. In this step-by-step beginners guide, Qu Lei Lei, one of the world's top calligraphers,

Customer Reviews:

Beautiful calligraphy.......2005-11-08

This is a good book for the beginning Chinese calligraphy learner and anyone who wants to know the history and basic principles of the art. It explains "the four treasures" -- the brush, ink, paper, and the ink stone -- and shows how to choose the right ones. It has beautiful calligraphy writing, superior to what is found in many other books on the same subject.

The book contains many easy-to-follow projects. The book does not explain this, but on page 107 it presents the "mounting" project. The two characters shown make the name Tai Shan, also known as Mount Tai, a famous mountain in Shandong Province. Interestingly enough, Tai Shan is also the name for the National Zoo's baby panda. If you are in the mood, you can copy the characters and present the copy to your father-in-law to show your respect. After all, Tai Shan is also one way to address one's wife's father.

I did find a small mistake in the book. On page 123 the last character in the last line should be Gan with the first tone, meaning dry or dried, instead of Gan with the fourth tone, meaning the trunk of a tree.

Overall a very good and eye-pleasing book. Highly recommended.

Actually, sorry for purchasing that.......2004-12-17

Well a do not believe this book is rated as 5-star. I do belive the author is extremly good caligraphy painter but this book is intended may be for really small kids at age like 5-10. Everything is explained in souch a simple and shallow way than nobody seriously interested can be satisfied. Sorry .. nice pictures but for sure.. This book does not have anythink but 10 pages in common with caligraphy. So if you are interested in calligraphy and not in creating smal simple gifts to your child friend dont byu it. But once again the book is not bad.. but badly described or may be I just chose it badly, any way I hope this can help otherst to buy or not to buy.

Truly a masterpiece for all calligraphy beginners & students.......2003-01-11

This is the absolutely perfect book for ANY beginner as they take their first steps on the 1000 mile journey of Chinese calligraphy. From beginning to end, the bold, large text, striking colored illustrations, step-by-step definitions, impressive historical references & accuracy make this book a complete calligraphy BIBLE! This book covers EVERY single aspect of calligraphy from its ancient history and style transformations to individual sections on brushes, inkstones, ink, holding brushes, stoke techniques, components of the basic character of Yong and everything else one would need to understand, getting started, practice and perfect this masterful artform. Sections include: Materials, Techniques, Creating Characters, & LOADS OF PROJECTS to keep the novice entertained and motivated to share their new art with others. There is an abundance of information in this book and the format is rich & well-written. The plethora of character examples and practice techniques can quickly provide the much needed confidence and encouragement to not only keep a dedicated student going but getting the sheepish to begin to pick up their first brush.

There is absolutely nothing missing from this oracle and this is an absolutely must buy for all calligraphy followers. The projects in this book cover everything from fans to greeting cards, bamboo placemats & calligraphy on stone. If you want to be delightfully entertained and educated on the ancient art of calligraphy, then pick up this book! Wishing you a blessed journey!

An introduction to the timeless joy of an ancient art form.......2002-12-09

The Simple Art Of Chinese Calligraphy is a captivating introduction to learning and practicing the 6,000-year-old art of Chinese calligraphy as author Qu Lei Lei draws upon his personal expertise as an artist and calligrapher whose work has been exhibited in a number of galleries and museums in London, Paris, Geneva, Singapore, Tokyo, and Venice, and who has been a guest lecturer in Chinese art and calligraphy at the British Museum, the Victoria& Albert Museum, the Ruskin School of Art, as well as the Christie and Sotheby auction houses. Basic characters for good luck and other worthy concepts, stroke techniques, beautiful paper fans, and much more are discussed and described with easy-to-follow instructions and gorgeous full color photographs. The Simple Art Of Chinese Calligraphy is a superbly presented and truly first-rate introduction to the timeless joy of an ancient art form with an enduring popularity.

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