Experimental physics has occupied some of the finest intellects in the history of man, but the fascination of the subject is not always apparent in an undergraduate course of practical work. This book is about experimental physics and it is intended for undergraduates, but it does not describe a systematic course of experiments, nor is it a handbook of experimental techniques. Instead, it sets out to demonstrate a certain outlook or approach to experimental work. It is intended as a companion to a general course of practical work. My aim is to make the student more critical of what he does and more aware of what can be done, and in this way to make the course more interesting and meaningful.

The book is in three parts. The first is on the statistical treatment of data. I have tried to give the statistical theory not as an exercise in mathematics but rather as a tool for experimental work. This is perhaps the most difficult part of the book, and the student should not worry if he does not grasp all the mathematical details at first. He should read through the chapters to get a general understanding – and then go ahead and use the results. He can always return and master the proofs at a later stage. The second part is on experimental methods. I discuss a selection of instruments, methods, and experiments with a view to showing the craft of the experimenter.