Dr Bradley's aim is to provide a work which will introduce readers to the philosophical standpoint employed by Mach in his expositions of physics. The author shows how Mach traces out the evolution of the metrical concepts of heat and mechanics, and includes a discussion of his reformulation of Newton's dynamical principles. Mach's view that we have a semi-awareness of both time and temperature is considered: there is no ‘Mach Principle' in Mach's writings; the use of the term by Einstein and others has led to confusion, which the author attempts to remove. The newcomer to the philosophy of science is led to an insight into the methods of one who has had a major influence on the subject.

Dr Bradley is Senior Lecturer in the Department of Education, University of Hull.