Bródy F., Vámos T. (eds.) The Neumann Compendium

World Scientific, 1995. — 699 p.After three decades since the first nearly complete edition of John von Neumann's papers, this book is a valuable selection of those papers and excerpts of his books that are most characteristic of his activity, and reveal that of his continuous influence. The results receiving the 1994 Nobel Prizes in economy deeply rooted in Neumann's game theory are only minor traces of his exceptionally broad spectrum of creativity and stimulation.
The book is organized by the specific subjects-quantum mechanics, ergodic theory, operator algebra, hydrodynamics, economics, computers, science and society. In addition, one paper which was written in German will be translated and published in English for the first time.
The sections are introduced by short explanatory notes with an emphasis on recent developments based on von Neumann's contributions. An overall picture is provided by Ulam's, one of his most intimate partners in thinking, 1958 memorial lecture. Facsimilae and translations of some of his personal letters and a newly completed bibliography based on von Neumann's own careful compilation are added.Quantum Mechanics
Introduction by T. Geszti.
Mathematical Foundations of Quantum Mechanics (Chapters V and VI of the 1955 edition of Mathematische Grundlagen der Quantenmechanik, transl. by R. Beyer).
The Logic of Quantum Mechanics (with G. Birkhoff) // Ann. Math., 37: 823-843 (1936).
Quantum Logics (Strict- and Probability-Logics) // Manuscript, unfinished, ca. 1937, reviewed by A. H. Taub.
Ergodic Theory
Introduction by J. Fritz.
Proof of the Quasi-Ergodic Hypothesis // Proc. Nat. Acad. Sci., 18: 70-82 (1932).
Operator Methods in Classical Mechanics, II (with P. R. Halmos) // Ann. Math., 43: 332-350 (1942).
Operator Algebra
Introduction by D. Petz and M. R. Redei.
Algebra of Functional Operations and Theory of Normal Operators (Translation of Zur Algebra der Funktionaloperatoren und Theorie der normalen Operatoren by R. Lakshminarayanan) // Math. Ann., 102: 370-427 (1929).
On Rings of Operators (with F. J. Murray) // Ann. Math., 37: 116-229 (1936).
On Rings of Operators II (with F. J. Murray) // excerpt from Trans. Amer. Math. Soc, 41: 208-248 (1937).
On Rings of Operators III // excerpt from Ann. Math., 41: 94-161 (1940).
On Rings of Operators IV (with F. J. Murray) // excerpt from Ann. Math., 44: 716-808 (1943).
On Rings of Operators. Reduction Theory // excerpt from Ann. Math., 50: 401-485 (1949).
Hydrodynamics
Introduction by J. Fritz.
Theory of Shock Waves // Progress Report to the National Defense Research Committee, Div. 8, U.S. Dept. Comm. Off. Tech. Serv. PB 32719 (1943).
Use of Variational Methods in Hydrodynamics // Memorandum to O. Veblen, March 26, 1945.
Economics
Introduction by A. Brody.
Theory of Games and Economic Behavior (with O. Morgenstern) (Chapters I and II of Theory of Games and Economic Behavior, Princeton University Press, 1944).
Computers
Introduction by T. Vamos.
On the Principles of Large Scale Computing Machines (with H. H. Goldstine) // Lecture manuscript, prior to May 15, 1946.
The General and Logical Theory of Automata // Cerebral Mechanisms in Behavior — The Hixon Symposium, September 20, 1948, Pasadena, ed. by L. A. Jeffress, John Wiley, 1-31 (1951).
Probabilistic Logics and the Synthesis of Reliable Organisms from Unreliable Components // Lecture notes taken by R. S. Pierce and revised by the author, Automata Studies, ed. by C. E. Shannon and J. McCarthy, Princeton University Press, 43-98 (1956).
Science and Society
Introduction by T. Vamos.
The Mathematician // The Works of the Mind, ed. by R. B. Heywood, University of Chicago Press, 180-196 (1947).
Method in the Physical Sciences // The Unity of Knowledge, ed. by L. Leary, Doubleday, 157-164 (1955).
Impact of Atomic Energy on the Physical and Chemical Sciences // Speech at M.I.T. Alumni Day Symposium, June 13, Summary, Tech. Rev., 15-17 (1955).
The Impact of Recent Developments in Science on the Economy and on Economics // Partial text of a talk at the National Planning Assoc., Washington, D.C., December 12, 1955, Looking Ahead, 4: 11 (1956).
The Role of Mathematics in the Sciences and in Society // Address at 4th Conference of Association of Princeton Graduate Alumni, June, 16-29 (1954).
Statement before the Special Senate Committee on Atomic Energy // Manuscript, prepared prior to the January 31, 1946.
Can We Survive Technology? // Fortune, June 1955.
Defense in Atomic War // Paper delivered at a symposium in honor of Dr. R. H. Kent, December 7, 1955, The Scientific Bases of Weapons, Journ. Am. Ordnance Assoc., 21-23 (1955).Curriculum Vitae.
A Letter to L. Fejer.
An Interview for "Voice of America".