The Conceptual Completion and Extensions of Quantum Mechanics 1932-1941. Epilogue: Aspects of the Further Development of Quantum Theory 1942-1999

1. Front Matter

   Pages i-viii

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2. The Conceptual Completion and the Extensions of Quantum Mechanics (1932–1941)

   • Jagdish Mehra, Helmut Rechenberg

   Pages 671-1014

3. Epilogue: Aspects of the Further Development of Quantum Theory (1942–1999)

   • Jagdish Mehra, Helmut Rechenberg

   Pages 1015-1243

4. Conclusion: Four Generations of Quantum Physicists

   • Jagdish Mehra, Helmut Rechenberg

   Pages 1244-1252

5. Back Matter

   Pages 1253-1612

   PDF

Quantum Theory, together with the principles of special and general relativity, constitute a scientific revolution that has profoundly influenced the way in which we think about the universe and the fundamental forces that govern it. The Historical Development of Quantum Theory is a definitive historical study of that scientific work and the human struggles that accompanied it from the beginning. Drawing upon such materials as the resources of the Archives for the History of Quantum Physics, the Niels Bohr Archives, and the archives and scientific correspondence of the principal quantum physicists, as well as Jagdish Mehra's personal discussions over many years with most of the architects of quantum theory, the authors have written a rigorous scientific history of quantum theory in a deeply human context. This multivolume work presents a rich account of an intellectual triumph: a unique analysis of the creative scientific process. The Historical Development of Quantum Theory is science, history, and biography, all wrapped in the story of a great human enterprise. Its lessons will be an aid to those working in the sciences and humanities alike.

• History of physics
• mechanics
• quantum mechanics
• quantum physics
• scientific revolution

Comments by distinguished physicists on "The Historical Development of Quantum Theory":

"…the most definitive work undertaken by anyone on this vast and most important development in the history of physics. Jagdish Mehra, trained in theoretical physics under Pauli, Heisenberg, and Dirac, pursued the vision of his youth to write about the historical and conceptual development of quantum theory in the 20th century…This series of books on the HDQT has thus become the most authentic and permanent source of our knowledge of how quantum theory, its extensions and applications developed. My heartfelt congratulations."
-Hans A. Bethe, Nobel Laureate

"A thrilling and magnificent achievement!"|
-Subrahmanyan Chandrasekhar, FRS, Nobel Laureate

"…capture(s) precisely, accurately, and thoroughly the very essence and all the fundamental details of the theory, and that is a remarkable achievement…I have greatly enjoyed reading these books and learned so many new things from them. This series of books will remain a permanent source of knowledge about the creation and development of quantum theory. Congratulations!"
-Paul A. Dirac, FRS, Nobel Laureate

"The wealth and accuracy of detail in 'The Historical Development of Quantum Theory' are breathtaking."
-Richard P. Feynman, Nobel Laureate

FROM THE REVIEWS:

NEW SCIENTIST
"The authors…have succeeded 100% in their self-imposed task…the result [is] one of the most significant scientific works ever published, a series well eligible for inclusion in any time capsule of the 20th century. It is a definitive epic.”

NEW SCIENTIST
"The monumental THE HISTORICAL DEVELOPMENT OF QUANTUM THEORY is the best source of information about how these new ideas (on quantum theory [and its applications]) developed.”

FOUNDATIONS OF PHYSICS
"Mehra and Rechenberg’s HIATORICAL DEVELOPMENT OF QUANTUM THEORY is a major contribution equaled only by few otherhistorical studies published over the last decades…This monumental series exhibits a complete understanding of creative processes and scientific content of twentieth-century physics; this unique and authoritative work will fascinate all readers interested in the history of ideas in this century, which represents a turning point in the history of mankind…[It] will be read with pleasure and profit by scientists, historians, and philosophers of science”

CONTEMPORARY PHYSICS
"A truly valuable work [that] in its totality covers a vast domain about our knowledge of modern physics. It will serve as an encyclopedia in the field.”

PHYSICALIA
"A very brilliantly written account, substantiated by an impressive mastery of detail. A revelation about the true development of quantum theory and very enjoyable reading.”

PHYSICS TODAY
"…indeed a most impressive accomplishment. The volumes will undoubtedly become the point of departure to all future investigations into the history of quantum mechanics.”

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