Gates puts Feynman lectures online
Microsoft founder Bill Gates recently bought the rights to videos of seven lectures that famed physicist (and bongo drummer) Richard Feynman gave when he was teaching at Cornell in the 1960s. The series, “The Character of Physical Law,” includes lectures on the law of gravitation, the relation between mathematics and physics, the principles of conservation, symmetry in physical law, and probability and uncertainty – all sprinkled with generous doses of Feynman’s signature wit, enthusiasm and insight.
The lectures are part of Microsoft’s Project Tuva, named for the tiny Central Asian republic which Feynman attempted, ultimately unsuccessfully, to visit. Videos (which require Microsoft Silverlight) are fully searchable and enhanced with related content including images, notes and commentary.
August 6th, 2009 at 6:33 pm
Just to clarify: Feynman was no longer teaching at Cornell when he gave these lectures in 1964. As President Corson said in his introduction, Feynman was already at Caltech. He was the guest speaker of that year’s Messenger Series.
August 18th, 2009 at 10:44 pm
Mr. Gates
Excellent idea to put these lectures on line.
Luiz Dias
Brazil