The Copenhagen Network: The Birth of Quantum Mechanics from a Postdoctoral Perspective 3030591875, 9783030591878

This book is a historical analysis of the quantum mechanical revolution and the emergence of a new discipline from the p

450 99 2MB

English Pages 126 [129] Year 2020

Report DMCA / Copyright

DOWNLOAD FILE

The Copenhagen Network: The Birth of Quantum Mechanics from a Postdoctoral Perspective
 3030591875, 9783030591878

Table of contents :
Acknowledgements
Contents
Abbreviations and Archives
1 Introduction
1.1 KnabenPhysik
1.2 “Mecca of Theoretical Physics”
2 Scandinavian Settings
2.1 Experiment Under Theory
2.2 New Blood
2.3 Meanings of Internationalism
3 International Networking
3.1 The Manchester Link
3.2 First German Connection
3.3 New Partners
3.4 The Value of Neutrality
4 A “Kuhnian” Crisis
4.1 The Field in Disarray
4.2 American Voyage
4.3 The Copenhagen Putsch
5 Revolt of the Postdoc
5.1 Marginal Intruders and the Light Quantum
5.2 Inflation and Quasi-Free Postdocs
5.3 Werner Heisenberg’s Wanderjahre
5.4 Quantum Mechanics Community
6 Philosophical Wrangling
6.1 The Problem with Quantum Philosophy
6.2 Matrix Mechanics (Fall 1925)
6.3 Wave Mechanics (Spring 1926)
6.4 Quantum Mechanics (Fall 1926)
6.5 Philosophies of Compromise (1927)
6.6 Discussion
7 Conclusions: The Precarious Copenhagen Network and the Forman Thesis
Appendix A Visitors at Bohr’s Institute in Copenhagen (Chronological Order, up to 1927)
Appendix B Information Concerning Fellowships in Science Awarded by the International Education Board (1925)
Appendix C IEB: Excerpts from Applications and Correspondence Regarding Individual Fellows
References
Index

Polecaj historie