History of variational principles in physics involves integrals over an interval of time and (for fields) extended region of space. Moreover, in the usual formulation of classical action principles, the initial and final states of the system are fixed, e.g., In particular, the fixing of the "final" state appears to give the action principle a teleological character which has been controversial historically. This apparent teleology is eliminated in the quantum mechanical version of the action principle. History of variational principles in physics A variational principle in physics is an alternative method for determining the state or dynamics of a physical system, by identifying it as an
N-entity the lowest, "i.e.", the physical layer, to the highest, so that the -th layer is above the "n"-th layer and the -th layer is below. N-entity In telecommunication, a "n"-entity is an active element in the "n"-th layer of the Open Systems Interconnection--Reference Model (OSI-RM) that (a) interacts directly with elements, "i.e.", entities, of the layer immediately above or below the "n"-th layer, (b) is defined by a unique set of rules, "i.e.", syntax, and information formats, including data and control formats, and (c) performs a defined set of functions. The "n" refers to any one of the 7 layers