Introduction

The theoretical transition from mechanics to the properties of matter is complex as well as technically difficult. Major parts of it are ever-expanding research subjects. In principle, given the laws of dynamics — classical or quantum-mechanical — and a model of the forces acting between the constituent parts of the material, we can determine all that is fit to be determined about the system. Its properties, i.e. material properties, are subject to computation — if the initial conditions are given as well, of course…