The Formulation of Matrix Mechanics and Its Modifications 1925–1926Quantum 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. |
Contents
The Rediscovery of a Mathematical Tool | 5 |
Matching the Tools and the Task | 61 |
vii | 87 |
Copyright | |
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Common terms and phrases
action variable action-angle variables AHQP Interview algebraic amplitudes angle variables angular momentum anomalous Zeeman effects applied assumed atomic systems Bohr Born and Jordan Born and Wiener Born's calculation Cayley classical theory coefficients commutation relations coordinates corresponding degrees of freedom denoted derivative diagonal differential dynamical variables eigenvalues Einstein electron energy equations of motion expression finite formalism Fourier frequency function Göttingen Goudsmit H₂ Hamiltonian matrix harmonic oscillator Heisenberg and Jordan Heisenberg to Pauli helium Hence Hermitian Hermitian form Hilbert hydrogen atom integral equations kernel Kramers Lanczos later linear mathematical matrix elements matrix mechanics matrix methods matrix scheme Max Born multiply periodic systems obtained operator orbits Pascual Jordan perturbation scheme perturbation theory physics problem published in issue quadratic forms quantum condition quantum mechanics quantum number quantum theory quantum-theoretical radiation reformulation result right-hand side Schrödinger September 1925 spectrum spin three-man paper transition values vector Wentzel zero