This book, Eight Lectures on Theoretical Physics, was written by Max Planck in 1909 based on a series of lectures he delivered at Columbia University. Planck aimed to present the prevailing system of theoretical physics, focusing on his own research and the fundamental laws and hypotheses governing the field. Planck acknowledged the limitations of theoretical physics, cautioning against both underestimating and overestimating its potential. While technology relied on theoretical physics, Planck believed it couldn't fully explain atomic structure or mental processes.
