Peter Bergmann
Encyclopedia
Peter Gabriel Bergmann was a German-American physicist
best known for his work with Albert Einstein
on a unified field theory
encompassing all physical interactions. After obtaining his Ph.D at the German University in Prague
in 1936 under the direction of Philipp Frank
he went to work with Einstein, as his research assistant, at the Institute for Advanced Study
. In 1942, Bergmann published the first textbook on General relativity
, Introduction to the Theory of Relativity, with a foreword by Einstein. The second edition of this book was published by Dover Publications
in 1976. His other textbooks were:
He also co-wrote Albert Einstein: His Influence on Physics, Philosophy and Politics, together with Peter C. Aichelburg
and Roman Ulrich Sexl
(Vieweg, 1979).
Bergmann was a professor at Syracuse University
from 1947 to 1982 and at New York University
. He was posthumously awarded the first Einstein Prize
in 2003.
Physicist
A physicist is a scientist who studies or practices physics. Physicists study a wide range of physical phenomena in many branches of physics spanning all length scales: from sub-atomic particles of which all ordinary matter is made to the behavior of the material Universe as a whole...
best known for his work with Albert Einstein
Albert Einstein
Albert Einstein was a German-born theoretical physicist who developed the theory of general relativity, effecting a revolution in physics. For this achievement, Einstein is often regarded as the father of modern physics and one of the most prolific intellects in human history...
on a unified field theory
Unified field theory
In physics, a unified field theory, occasionally referred to as a uniform field theory, is a type of field theory that allows all that is usually thought of as fundamental forces and elementary particles to be written in terms of a single field. There is no accepted unified field theory, and thus...
encompassing all physical interactions. After obtaining his Ph.D at the German University in Prague
Charles University in Prague
Charles University in Prague is the oldest and largest university in the Czech Republic. Founded in 1348, it was the first university in Central Europe and is also considered the earliest German university...
in 1936 under the direction of Philipp Frank
Philipp Frank
Philipp Frank was a physicist, mathematician and also an influential philosopher during the first half of the 20th century. He was a logical-positivist, and a member of the Vienna Circle.He was born on 20 March 1884 in Vienna, Austria, and died on 21 July 1966 in Cambridge, Massachusetts, USA...
he went to work with Einstein, as his research assistant, at the Institute for Advanced Study
Institute for Advanced Study
The Institute for Advanced Study, located in Princeton, New Jersey, United States, is an independent postgraduate center for theoretical research and intellectual inquiry. It was founded in 1930 by Abraham Flexner...
. In 1942, Bergmann published the first textbook on General relativity
General relativity
General relativity or the general theory of relativity is the geometric theory of gravitation published by Albert Einstein in 1916. It is the current description of gravitation in modern physics...
, Introduction to the Theory of Relativity, with a foreword by Einstein. The second edition of this book was published by Dover Publications
Dover Publications
Dover Publications is an American book publisher founded in 1941 by Hayward Cirker and his wife, Blanche. It publishes primarily reissues, books no longer published by their original publishers. These are often, but not always, books in the public domain. The original published editions may be...
in 1976. His other textbooks were:
- The Riddle of Gravitation (Dover PublicationsDover PublicationsDover Publications is an American book publisher founded in 1941 by Hayward Cirker and his wife, Blanche. It publishes primarily reissues, books no longer published by their original publishers. These are often, but not always, books in the public domain. The original published editions may be...
, 1993) - Basic Theories of Physics (Prentice HallPrentice HallPrentice Hall is a major educational publisher. It is an imprint of Pearson Education, Inc., based in Upper Saddle River, New Jersey, USA. Prentice Hall publishes print and digital content for the 6-12 and higher-education market. Prentice Hall distributes its technical titles through the Safari...
, 1951)
He also co-wrote Albert Einstein: His Influence on Physics, Philosophy and Politics, together with Peter C. Aichelburg
Peter C. Aichelburg
Peter C. Aichelburg is an Austrian physicist well-known for his contributions to general relativity, particularly the Aichelburg-Sexl ultraboost of the Schwarzschild vacuum....
and Roman Ulrich Sexl
Roman Ulrich Sexl
Roman Ulrich Sexl was one of the leading Austrian theoretical physicists.Since 1972 he has been professor for Cosmology and General Relativity at the University of Vienna...
(Vieweg, 1979).
Bergmann was a professor at Syracuse University
Syracuse University
Syracuse University is a private research university located in Syracuse, New York, United States. Its roots can be traced back to Genesee Wesleyan Seminary, founded by the Methodist Episcopal Church in 1832, which also later founded Genesee College...
from 1947 to 1982 and at New York University
New York University
New York University is a private, nonsectarian research university based in New York City. NYU's main campus is situated in the Greenwich Village section of Manhattan...
. He was posthumously awarded the first Einstein Prize
Einstein Prize (APS)
The Einstein Prize is a biennial prize, awarded by the American Physical Society since 2003. The recipient is chosen for "outstanding accomplishments in the field of gravitational physics". The prize is named after Albert Einstein , who authored the theories of special and general relativity. The...
in 2003.