Skip to main content

Part of the book series: Fundamental Theories of Physics ((FTPH,volume 105))

  • 454 Accesses

Abstract

On July 5th, 1922 Edwin Thompson Jaynes Jr. was born in Waterloo, Iowa to Ethyl and Edwin Jaynes. At the time the Jayneses lived near Cedar Falls, Iowa. Ed had two sisters, and an older brother. His father, a surgeon, practiced in Waterloo. By 1922 standards his family was fairly well off. However, his father died when Ed was very young, leaving his mother to care for four small children. Consequently, the Jaynes family moved to Parkersburg, Iowa where Ethyl’s parents lived.

This is a preview of subscription content, log in via an institution to check access.

Access this chapter

Chapter
USD 29.95
Price excludes VAT (USA)
  • Available as PDF
  • Read on any device
  • Instant download
  • Own it forever
eBook
USD 129.00
Price excludes VAT (USA)
  • Available as PDF
  • Read on any device
  • Instant download
  • Own it forever
Softcover Book
USD 169.99
Price excludes VAT (USA)
  • Compact, lightweight edition
  • Dispatched in 3 to 5 business days
  • Free shipping worldwide - see info
Hardcover Book
USD 169.99
Price excludes VAT (USA)
  • Durable hardcover edition
  • Dispatched in 3 to 5 business days
  • Free shipping worldwide - see info

Tax calculation will be finalised at checkout

Purchases are for personal use only

Institutional subscriptions

Preview

Unable to display preview. Download preview PDF.

Unable to display preview. Download preview PDF.

Similar content being viewed by others

Bibliography

  1. Jaynes, E. T., 1950, “Displacement of Oxygen in BaTiO3,” Phys. Rev., 79, 1008.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  2. Jaynes, E.T., 1952, “The Concept and Measurement of Impedance in Periodically Loaded Wave Guides,” J. Appl. Phys. 23, 1077.

    Article  MATH  Google Scholar 

  3. Jaynes, E. T., 1953, “Ferroelectricily,” Princeton Univ. Press, London.

    Google Scholar 

  4. Hornig, A. W., E. T. Jaynes, and H. E. Weaver, 1954, “Observation of Paramagnetic Resonances in Single Crystals of Barium Titanate,” Phys. Rev. 96, 1703.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  5. Jaynes, E.T., 1955, “Matrix Treatment of Nuclear Induction,” Phys. Rev. 98, 1099.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  6. Jaynes, E.T., 1955, “Nonlinear Dielectric Materials,” Proc. IRE., 43, 1733.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  7. Vartanian, P. H., and E. T. Jaynes, 1956, “Propagation in Ferrite-Filled Transversely Magnetized Waveguide,” IRE Trans, on Microwave Theory and Techniques. MTT-4, 140.

    Google Scholar 

  8. Jaynes, E. T., 1957, “Information Theory and Statistical Mechanics,” Phys. Rev., 106, 620.

    Article  MathSciNet  MATH  Google Scholar 

  9. Jaynes, E. T., 1957, “Information Theory and Statistical Mechanics II,” Phys. Rev., 108, 171.

    Article  MathSciNet  Google Scholar 

  10. Jaynes, E. T., 1958, “Ghost Modes in Imperfect Waveguides,” Proc. IRE., 46, 416.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  11. Jaynes, E. T., 1958, “Reiativistic Clock Experiments,” Am. J. Phys., 26, 197.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  12. Jaynes, E. T., 1959, “Note on Unique Decipherability,” IRE Trans, on Information Theory, IT-5, 98.

    Google Scholar 

  13. Forrer, M. P., and E. T. Jaynes, 1960, “Resonant Modes in Waveguide Windows,” IRE Trans, on Microwave Theory and Techniques, MTT-8, 147.

    Google Scholar 

  14. Jaynes, E. T., 1960, “The Maser as a Parametric Amplifier,” in Quantum Electronics, C. H. Townes (ed.), Columbia Univ. Press, New York, p. 237.

    Google Scholar 

  15. S. Heims, and E. T. Jaynes, 1962, “Theory of Gyromagnetic Effects and Some Related Magnetic Phenomena,” Rev. Mod. Phys., 34, 143.

    Article  MathSciNet  MATH  Google Scholar 

  16. Jaynes, E. T., 1963. “New Engineering Applications of Information Theory,” in Engineering Uses of Random Function Theory and Probability, J.L. Bogdanoff and F. Kozin (eds.), Wiley, New York, p. 163.

    Google Scholar 

  17. Jaynes, E. T., and F. W. Cummings, 1963, “Comparison of Quantum and Semiclassical Radiation Theory with Application to the Beam Maser,” Proc. WEB. 51, 89.

    Google Scholar 

  18. Jaynes, E. T., 1963, “Information Theory and Statistical Mechanics,” in Statistical Physics, K. Ford (ed.), Benjamin, New York, p, 1

    Google Scholar 

  19. Jaynes, E. T., 1963, “Comments on an article by Ulric Nasser,” Science, 140, 216.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  20. Jaynes, E. T., 1965, “Gibbs vs Boltzrnann Entropies,” Am. J. Phys., 33, 391.

    Article  MATH  Google Scholar 

  21. Jaynes, E. T., 1966, “Is QED Necessary,” in Proceedings of Second Rochester Conference on Coherence and Quantum Optics, L. Mandel and E. Wolf (eds.), Plenum. New Your, p. 21.

    Google Scholar 

  22. Jaynes, E. T., 1967, “Foundations of Probability Theory and Statistical Mechanics,” in Delaware Seminar in the Foundations of Physics. M. Bunge (ed.), Springer-Verlag, Berlin, p. 77.

    Chapter  Google Scholar 

  23. Jaynes. E. T., 1968, “You CAN Parallel Storage Batteries,” in Popular Electronics, 33, 86.

    Google Scholar 

  24. Jaynes, E. T., 1968, “Prior Probabilities,” IEEE Trans. on Systems Science and Cybernetics, SSC-4, 227.

    Google Scholar 

  25. Crisp, M. D., and E. T. Jaynes, 1969, “Radiative Effects in Serniclassical Theory,” Phys. Rev., 179, 1253.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  26. Stroud, C. R., Jr., and E. T. Jaynes, 1970, “Long-Term Solutions in Semiclassical Radiation Theory,” Phys. Rev. A., 1, 106.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  27. Jaynes, E. T., 1970, “Reply to Leiter’s Comments,” Phys. Rev. A., 2, 260.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  28. Jaynes, E. T., 1971, “Violation of Boltzmann’s H-Theorem in Real Gases,” Phys. Rev., A4, 747.

    Google Scholar 

  29. Jaynes, E. T., and F. W. Cummings, 1972, “Comparison of Quantum and Semiclassical Radiation Theories with Application to the Beam Maser,” in Laser Theory, F. S. Barnes (ed.), IEEE Press, pp. 173–203.

    Google Scholar 

  30. Jaynes, E. T., 1973, “The Well-Posed Problem,” in Found. Phys., 3, 477.

    Article  MathSciNet  Google Scholar 

  31. Jaynes, E. T., 1973, “Survey of the Present Status of Neoclassicai Radiation Theory,” in Coherence and Quantum Optics, L. Mandel and E. Wolf (eds.), Plenum, New York, p. 35.

    Google Scholar 

  32. Jaynes, E. T., 1976. “Confidence Intervals vs Bayesian Intervals,” in Foundations of Probability Theory, Statistical Inference, and Statistical Theories of Science, W. L. Harper and C. A. Hooker (eds.), D. Reidel, Dordrecht, p. 175.

    Google Scholar 

  33. Jaynes, E. T., 1976. “Reply to Kempthornes’ Comments,” in Foundations of Probability Theory, Statistical Inference and Statistical Theories of Science, W. L. Harper and C. A. Hooker (eds.), D. Reidel, Dordrecht, p. 229.

    Google Scholar 

  34. Jaynes, E. T., 1978, “Ancient History of Free Electron Devices,” in Novel Sources of Coherent Radiation, S. F. Jacob, M. Scully, and M. Sargent III (eds.), Addison-Wesley, Reading, MA, p.

    Google Scholar 

  35. Jaynes, E. T., 1978, “Electrodynamics Today,” in Coherence and Quantum Optics IV, L. Mandel and E. Wolf (eds.), Plenum Press, New York, p. 4

    Google Scholar 

  36. O’Donnell, M., E. T. Jaynes, and J. G. Miller, 1978, “General Relationships between Ultrasonic Attenuation and Dispersion,” J. Acoust. Soc. Am., 63, 1935.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  37. Jaynes, E. T., 1979, “Where do we Stand on Maximum Entropy?” in The Maximum Entropy Formalism, R. D. Levine and M. Tribus (eds.), M. I. T. Press, Cambridge, MA, p. 15.

    Google Scholar 

  38. Jaynes, E. T., 1979, “Concentration of Distributions at Entropy Maxima,” in E. T. Jaynes: Papers on Probability, Statistics and Statistical Physics, R. D. Rosenkrantz (ed.), D. Reidel, Dordrecht, p. 315.

    Google Scholar 

  39. Jaynes, E. T., 1980, “Quantum Beats,” in Foundations of Radiation Theory and Quantum, Electrodynamics, A. O. Barut (ed.), Plenum Press, New York, p. 37.

    Google Scholar 

  40. Jaynes, E. T., 1980, “Marginalization and Prior Probabilities,” in Bayesian Analysis in Econometrics and Statistics, A. Zellner (ed.), North-Holland, Amsterdam, p. 43.

    Google Scholar 

  41. Jaynes, E. T., 1980, “Reply to Dawid, Stone, and Zidek,” in Bayesian Analysis in Econometrics and Statistics, A. Zellner (ed.), North-Holland Amsterdam, p. 83.

    Google Scholar 

  42. Jaynes, E. T., 1980, “What is the Question?,” in Bayesian Statistics, J. M. Bernardo, M. H. deGroot, D. V. Lindly, and A. F. M. Smith (eds.), Valencia Univ. Press, Valencia.

    Google Scholar 

  43. Jaynes, E. T., 1980, “The Minimum Entropy Production Principle,” Ann. Rev. Phys. Chem. 31, 579.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  44. Matthys, D. R., and E. T. Jaynes, 1980, “Phase-Sensitive Optical Amplifier,” J. Opt. Soc. Am., 70, 263.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  45. O’Donnell, M., E. T. Jaynes, and J. G. Miller, 1980, “Kramers-Kronig Relationship between Ultrasonic Attenuation and Phase Velocity,” J. Acoust. Soc. Am., 69, 696.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  46. Jaynes, E. T., 1982, “On the Rationale of Maximum-Entropy Methods,” Proc. IEEE., 70, 939.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  47. Jaynes, E. T., 1984, “The Intuitive Inadequacy of Classical Statistics,” Epistemologia, VII, 43.

    Google Scholar 

  48. Jaynes, E. T., 1984, “Prior Information and Ambiguity in Inverse Problems,” Inverse Problems, D. W. McLaughlin (ed.), Am. Math. Soc, Providence, RI, [SIAM-AMS Proceedings 14, 151].

    Google Scholar 

  49. Jaynes, E. T., 1985, “Where do we go from Here?,” in Maximum-Entropy and Bayesian Methods in Inverse Problems, C. R. Smith and W. T. Grandy, Jr. (eds,), D. Reidel, Dordrecht, p. 21.

    Google Scholar 

  50. Jaynes, E. T., 1985, “Generalized Scattering,” in Maximum-Entropy and Bayesian Methods in Inverse Problems, C. R. Smith and W. T. Grandy, Jr. (eds.), D. Reidel, Dordrecht, p. 37

    Google Scholar 

  51. Jaynes, E. T., 1985, “Entropy and Search-Theory,” in Maximum-Entropy and Bayesian Methods in Inverse Problems, C. R. Smith and W. T. Grandy, Jr. (eds.), D. Reidel, Dordrecht, p. 443.

    Google Scholar 

  52. Jaynes, E. T., 1985, “Highly Informative Priors,” in Bayesian Statistics 2, J. M. Bernardo, M. H. deGroot, D. V. Lindley, and A. F. M. Smith (eds.), Elsevier, Amsterdam, p. 329.

    Google Scholar 

  53. Jaynes, E. T., 1985, “Macroscopic Prediction,” in Complex Systems — Operational Approaches, H. Haken (ed.), Springer-Verlag, Beriin, p. 254.

    Chapter  Google Scholar 

  54. Jaynes, E. T., 1985, “Some Random Observations,” Synthese, 63, 115.

    Article  MathSciNet  Google Scholar 

  55. Jaynes, E. T., 1986, “Predictive Statistical Mechanics,” in Frontiers of Nonequilibrium Statistical Physics, G. T. Moore and M. O. Scully (eds.), Plenum Press, New York, p. 33.

    Chapter  Google Scholar 

  56. Jaynes. E. T., 1986, “Bayesian Methods: General Background,” in Maximum-Entropy and Bayesian Methods in Applied Statistics, J. H. Justice (ed.), Cambridge Univ. Press, Cambridge, p. 1.

    Chapter  Google Scholar 

  57. Jaynes, E. T., 1986, “Monkeys, Kangaroos and N,” in Maximum-Entropy and Bayesian Methods in Applied Statistics, J. H. Justice (ed.), Cambridge Univ. Press, Cambridge, p.

    Chapter  Google Scholar 

  58. Jaynes E. T. 1986 “Some Applications and Extensions of the de Finetti Representation Theorem” in Bayesian Inference and Decision Techniques with Applications: Essays in Honor of Bruno de Finetti P. K. Goel and A. Zellner (eds.) North Holland Amsterdam p. 31

    Google Scholar 

  59. Muckenheim, W., G. Ludwig, C. Dewdney, P. R. Holland, A. Kyprianidis, J. P. Vigier, N. C. Petroni, M. S. Bartiett, and E. T. Jaynes. 1986, “A Review of Extended Probability,” Phys. Repts., 133, 337.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  60. Jaynes, E. T., 1987, “Bayesian Spectrum and Chirp Analysis,” m Maximum Entropy and Bayesian Spectral Analysis and Estimation Problems, C. R. Smith and G, J. Erickson (eds.), D. Reidel, Dordrecht, p. 1.

    Google Scholar 

  61. Jaynes, E. T., 1987, “Comments on a Review by P.W. Atkins,” Contemp. Phys., 28, 501.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  62. Jaynes, E. T., 1988, “How Does the Brain Do Plausible Reasoning?” in Maximum-Entropy and Bayesian Methods in Science and Engineering, 1, G. J. Erickson and C. R. Smith (eds.), Kluwer, Dordrecht, p. 1. [This first appeared as a Stanford Microwave Laboratory Report in 1957]

    Google Scholar 

  63. Jaynes, E. T., 1988, “The Relation of Bayesian and Maximum Entropy Methods,” in Maximum-Entropy and Bayesian Methods in Science and Engineering, 1, G. J. Erickson and C. R. Smith (eds.), Kluwer, Dordrecht, p. 25.

    Google Scholar 

  64. Jaynes, E. T., 1988, “Detection of Extra-Solar-System Planets,” in Maximum-Entropy and Bayesian Methods in Science and Engineering, 1, G. J. Erickson and C. R. Smith (eds.), Kluwer, Dordrecht, p. 147.

    Google Scholar 

  65. Jaynes, E. T., 1988, “The Evolution of Carnot’s Principle,” in Maximum-Entropy and Bayesian Methods in Science and Engineering, 1, G. J Erickson and C. R. Smith(eds.), Kluwer, Dordrecht, p. 267.

    Chapter  Google Scholar 

  66. Jaynes, E. T., 1989, “Clearing up Mysteries — The Original Goal,” in Maximum-Entropy and Bayesian Methods, J. Skilling (ed.), Kluwer, Dordrecht, p. 1.

    Google Scholar 

  67. Jaynes, E. T., 1990, “Probability in Quantum Theory,” in Complexity, Entropy, and the Physics of Information, W. H. Zurek (ed.), Addison-Wesley, Redwood City, CA, p. 381.

    Google Scholar 

  68. Jaynes, E. T., 1990, “Probability Theory as Logic,” in Maximum-Entropy and Bayesian Methods, P. F. Fougère (ed.), Kluwer, Dordrecht, p. 1.

    Google Scholar 

  69. Jaynes, E. T., 1991, “Notes On Present Status And Future Prospects,” in Maximum Entropy and Bayesian Methods Garching, Germany 1998, W. T. Grandy, Jr. and L. H. Schick (eds.), Kluwer, Dordrecht, p. 1.

    Google Scholar 

  70. Jaynes, E. T., 1991, “Scattering of Light by Free Electrons,” in The Electron, D. Hestenes and A. Weingartshofer (eds.), Kluwer, Dordrecht, p. 1.

    Google Scholar 

  71. Jaynes, E. T., 1991, “Commentary on Two Articles by C.A. Los,” in Computers and Mathematics with Applications, 3 of special issue of “On System-Theoretic Methods in Economic Modeling”, S. Mittnik (ed.), Pergamon Press, New York.

    Google Scholar 

  72. Jaynes, E. T., 1992, “The Gibbs Paradox,” in Maximum-Entropy and Bayesian Methods, G. Erickson, P. Neudorfer, and C. R. Smith (eds.), Kluwer, Dordrecht.

    Google Scholar 

  73. Jaynes, E. T., 1993, “A Backward Look to the Future,” in Physics and Probability, W. T. Grandy, Jr, and P. W. Milonni, Cambridge Univ. Press, Cambridge, England.

    Google Scholar 

Unpublished Works

  1. Jaynes, E. T., 1945, “Circuit Analysis by Laplace and Fourier Transforms,” a series of nine lectures given at the Combined Research Group, Naval Research Laboratory, Anacostia Station, Washington, D. C.

    Google Scholar 

  2. Jaynes, E. T., 1945, “Theory of Microwave Coupling Systems,” Combined Research Group, Report No. 84, Naval Research Laboratory, Anacostia Station, Washington, D. C.

    Google Scholar 

  3. Jaynes, E. T., 1959, “Probability Theory in Science and Engineering,” No. 4 in “Colloquium Lectures in Pure and Applied Science,” Socony-Mobil Oil Co. USA.

    Google Scholar 

  4. Jaynes, E. T. 1984, “Disturbing The Memory,” an unpublished and incomplete manuscript available either by anonymously FTP or on the world wide web from “bayes.wustl.edu”.

    Google Scholar 

  5. Jaynes, E. T., 1990, “Recollections and Mementos of G. A. Pfeiffer,” an unpublished manuscript available either by anonymously FTP or on the world wide web from “bayes.wustl.edu”.

    Google Scholar 

Book Reviews

  1. Jaynes, E. T., 1952, “Advanced Theory of Waveguides,” by L. Lewin, Rev. Sci. Inst. 23, 373.

    Google Scholar 

  2. Jaynes, E. T., 1953, “Theory of Electric Polarization.” by C. J. F. Böttcher, Electronics Magazine.

    Google Scholar 

  3. Jaynes, E. T., 1955, “Laplace Transforms for Electrical Engineers,” by B. J. Starkey, Proc. IRE. 43, 898.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  4. Jaynes, E. T., 1956, “Spheroidal Wave Functions,” by J. A. Stratton, et al, Proc. IRE. 44, 951.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  5. Jaynes, E. T., 1958, “Principles of Electricity (3rd ed.),” L. Page and N. I. Adams Jr., Proc. IRE 46, 1664.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  6. Jaynes E. T. 1958 “Television Engineering IV General Circuit Techniques” by S. W. Aos and D. C. Birkinshaw Proc. IRE 46 1974

    Google Scholar 

  7. Jaynes, E. T., 1959, “Principles of Circuit Synthesis,” by E. S. Kuh and D. O. Pederson, Proc. IRE 47, 1676.

    Google Scholar 

  8. Jaynes, E. T., 1961, “Statistical Theory of Communication,” by Y. W. Lee, Am. J. Phys. 29, 276.

    Google Scholar 

  9. Jaynes, E. T., 1962, “The Fermi Surface,” by W. A. Harrison and M. B. Webb (eds.), Am. J. Phys. 30, 231.

    Google Scholar 

  10. Jaynes, E. T., 1962, “Atomic Theory and the Description of Nature,” by N. Bohr, Am. J. Phys. 30, 658.

    Google Scholar 

  11. Jaynes, E. T., 1962, “Wave Mechanics of Crystalline Solids,” by R. A. Smith, Am. J. Phys. 30, 846.

    Google Scholar 

  12. Jaynes, E. T., 1963, “The Algebra of Probable Inference,” by R. T. Cox, Am. J. Phys. 31, 66.

    Google Scholar 

  13. Jaynes, E. T., 1963. “Semiconductor Device Physics,” by A. Nussbaum, Am. J. Phys. 31, 220.

    Google Scholar 

  14. Jaynes, E. T., 1963, “New Perspectives in Physics,” by L. DeBroglie, Am. J. Phys. 31, 225.

    Google Scholar 

  15. Jaynes, E. T., 1963, “Lasers,” by B. A. Lengyel, Am. J. Phys. 31. 739.

    Google Scholar 

  16. Jaynes, E. T., 1963, “Noise and Fluctuations,” by D. K. C. MacDonald, Am. J. Phys. 31, 946.

    Google Scholar 

  17. Jaynes, E. T., 1964, “An Introduction to Transport Theory,” by G. M. Wing, Am. J. Phys. 32, 235.

    Google Scholar 

  18. Jaynes, E. T., 1968, “Principles of Statistical Mechanics — The Information Theory Approach,” by A. Katz, IEEE Trans. on Information Theory, IT-14, 611.

    Google Scholar 

  19. Jaynes, E. T., 1979, “Inference, Method, and Decision: Towards a Bayesian Philosophy of Science,” by R. D. Rosenkrantz, J. Am. Stat. Assn., 74, 740.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  20. Jaynes, E. T., 1981, “Works on the Foundations of Statistical Physics,” by N. S. Krylov, J. Am. Stat. Assn., 76, 742.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  21. Jaynes, E. T., 1982, “Methods of Statistical Physics,” by A. I. Akhiezer and S. V. Pelet-minskii, Physics Today, 35 (8), 57.

    Google Scholar 

Download references

Author information

Authors and Affiliations

Authors

Editor information

Editors and Affiliations

Rights and permissions

Reprints and permissions

Copyright information

© 1999 Springer Science+Business Media Dordrecht

About this paper

Cite this paper

Bretthorst, G.L. (1999). Edwin Thompson Jaynes. In: von der Linden, W., Dose, V., Fischer, R., Preuss, R. (eds) Maximum Entropy and Bayesian Methods Garching, Germany 1998. Fundamental Theories of Physics, vol 105. Springer, Dordrecht. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-94-011-4710-1_1

Download citation

  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-94-011-4710-1_1

  • Publisher Name: Springer, Dordrecht

  • Print ISBN: 978-94-010-5982-4

  • Online ISBN: 978-94-011-4710-1

  • eBook Packages: Springer Book Archive

Publish with us

Policies and ethics