Science demands that all theory must be checked by experiment. Richard
Feyn- man, Nobel Laureate in physics (1965), reminds us in a wonderful
quote that "The test of all knowledge is experiment. Experiment is the
sole judge of sci- entific truth. " 1 It is because nonlinear physics
can be so profoundly counter- intuitive that these laboratory
investigations are so important. This manual is designed to be used with
the text Nonlinear Physics with Maple for Scientists and Engineers.
Understanding is enhanced when experiments are used to check so please
attempt as many of the activities as you can. As you perform theory,
these activities, we hope that you will be amazed and startled by
strange behav- ior, intrigued and terrorized by new ideas, and be able
to amaze your friends as you relate your strange sightings! Remember
that imagination is just as impor- tant as knowledge, so exercise yours
whenever possible. But please be careful, as nonlinear activities can be
addicting, can provide fond memories, and can awaken an interest that
lasts a lifetime. Although it has been said that a rose by any other
name is still a rose, (with apologies to Shakespeare) the authors of
this laboratory manual have, in an endeavor to encourage the use of
these nonlinear investigations, called them experimental activities
rather than experiments. A number of design innovations have been
introduced: A.
