Part I From Ancient Greece to the Renaissance -- Physical Sciences and Physics -- The Ideas of Greeks About Nature -- From the Classical Era to the Renaissance -- Part II From the Renaissance to the Present Era.- The Major Branches of Physics.- Mechanics -- Optics -- Static Magnetism and Electricity.- Electric Currents and Electromagnetism -- Heat and Thermodynamics -- Kinetic Theory of Ideal Gases.- Physics of the 20th Century -- Lessons from Three Centuries of Physics -- Organization of Teaching and Research.

Our understanding of nature, and in particular of physics and the laws governing it, has changed radically since the days of the ancient Greek natural philosophers. This book explains how and why these changes occurred, through landmark experiments as well as theories that - for their time - were revolutionary. The presentation covers Mechanics, Optics, Electromagnetism, Thermodynamics, Relativity Theory, Atomic Physics and Quantum Physics. The book places emphasis on ideas and on a qualitative presentation, rather than on mathematics and equations. Thus, although primarily addressed to those who are studying or have studied science, it can also be read by non-specialists. The author concludes with a discussion of the evolution and organization of universities, from ancient times until today, and of the organization and dissemination of knowledge through scientific publications and conferences.