In this famous short book Einstein explains clearly, using the minimum amount of mathematical terms, the basic ideas and principles of the theory which has shaped the world we live in today. Preface ix PART I The Special Theory of Relativity Physical Meaning of Geometrical Propositions 3(3) The System of Co-ordinates 6(4) Space and Time in Classical Mechanics 10(2) The Galileian System of Co-ordinates 12(2) The Principle of Relativity (in the Restricted Sense) 14(4) The Theorem of the Addition of Velocities Employed in Classical Mechanics 18(2) The Apparent Incompatibility of the Law of Propagation of Light with the Principle of Relativity 20(3) On the Idea of Time in Physics 23(4) The Relativity of Simultaneity 27(3) On the Relativity of the Conception of Distance 30(2) The Lorentz Transformation 32(5) The Behaviour of Measuring-Rods and Clocks in Motion 37(3) Theorem of the Addition of Velocities. The Experiment of Fizeau 40(4) The Heuristic Value of the Theory of Relativity 44(2) General Results of the Theory 46(5) Experience and the Special Theory of Relativity 51(5) Minkowski's Four-dimensional Space 56(5) PART II The General Theory of Relativity Special and General Principle of Relativity 61(4) The Gravitational Field 65(3) The Equality of Inertial and Gravitational Mass as an Argument for the General Postulate of Relativity 68(4) In what Respects are the Foundations of Classical Mechanics and of the Special Theory of Relativity Unsatisfactory? 72(3) A Few Inferences from the General Principle of Relativity 75(4) Behaviour of Clocks and Measuring-Rods on a Rotating Body of Reference 79(4) Euclidean and non-Euclidean Continuum 83(4) Gaussian Co-ordinates 87(4) The Space-Time Continuum of the Special Theory of Relativity Considered as a Euclidean Continuum 91(3) The Space-Time Continuum of the General Theory of Relativity is not a Euclidean Continuum 94(3) Exact Formulation of the General Principle of Relativity 97(3) The Solution of the Problem of Gravitation on the Basis of the General Principle of Relativity 100(7) PART III Considerations on the Universe as a Whole Cosmological Difficulties of Newton's Theory 107(3) The Possibility of a ``Finite'' and yet ``Unbounded'' Universe 110(5) The Structure of Space according to the General Theory of Relativity 115(44) APPENDICES 1 Simple Derivation of the Lorentz Transformation [Supplementary to Section 11] 117(7) 2 Minkowski's Four-dimensional Space (``World'') [Supplementary to Section 17] 124(2) 3 The Experimental Confirmation of the General Theory of Relativity 126(10) (a) Motion of the Perihelion of Mercury 127(2) (b) Deflection of Light by a Gravitational Field 129(3) (c) Displacement of Spectral Lines towards the Red 132(4) 4 The Structure of Space according to the General Theory of Relativity [Supplementary to Section 32] 136(3) 5 Relativity and the Problem of Space 139(20) Bibliography 159(2) Index 161