Quantum mechanics - the grandiose theory that describes nature down to the submicroscopic level - was first formulated in Göttingen in 1925. How did this come about and why is it that Göttingen became the pre-eminent location for a revolution in physics? This book is the first to investigate the wide range of factors that were pivotal for quantum physics to be established in Göttingen. These include the process of generational change of physics professors, the hopes of mathematicians seeking new fields of research, and a new understanding of the interplay of experiment, theory and philosophy. The other books in the four-volume collection address the beginnings of quantum physics research at Copenhagen, Berlin, and Munich. These works emerged from an expansive study on the quantum revolution as a major transformation of physical knowledge undertaken by the Max Planck Institute for the History of Science and the Fritz Haber Institute (2006-2012). For more on this project, see the dedicated Feature Story, The Networks of Early Quantum Theory, at the Max Planck Institute for the History of Science, https://www.mpiwg-berlin.mpg.de/feature-story/networks-early-quantum-theory.

Auteur

After earning a PhD in theoretical physics, Arne Schirrmacher specialized in the history of science, in particular the history of modern physics, popular science and science museums. He was a researcher at the Deutsches Museum in Munich for many years and now works as a Heisenberg Fellow at the Humboldt University in Berlin.

Contenu

Situating Göttingen in the History of Quantum Physics: A Contextual Approach.- From Generational Change to Scientific Opportunity.- Hilbert and Physics Vision and Resources.- The Born Schools in Berlin, Frankfurt and Göttingen.- Göttingen's Multiple Avenues Towards Quantum Mechanics.- Appendix: Selected Documents.