From c-Numbers to q-Numbers: The Classical Analogy in the History of Quantum Theory (California Studies in the History of Science)

The history of quantum theory is a maze of conceptual problems, through which Olivier Darrigol provides a lucid and learned guide, tracking the role of formal analogies between classical and quantum theory. From Planck's first introduction of the quantum of action to Dirac's formulation of quantum mechanics, Darrigol illuminates not only the history of quantum theory but also the role of analogies in scientific thinking and theory change. Unlike previous works, which have tended to focus on qualitative, global arguments, Darrigol's study follows the lines of mathematical reasoning and symbolizing and so is able to show the motivations of early quantum theorists more precisely—and provocatively—than ever before. Erudite and original, From c-Numbers to q-Numbers sets a new standard as a philosophically perceptive and mathematically precise history of quantum mechanics. For years to come it will influence historical and philosophical discussions of twentieth-century physics. The History Of Quantum Theory Is A Maze Of Conceptual Problems. In This Lucid And Learned Book, Olivier Darrigol Tracks The Role Of Formal Analogies Between Classical And Quantum Theory, From Planck's First Introduction Of The Quantum Of Action To Dirac's Formulation Of Quantum Mechanics. In So Doing, Darrigol Illuminates Not Only The History Of Quantum Theory But Also The Role Of Analogies In Scientific Thinking And Theory Change.--book Jacket.^ The Most Remarkable Result Of Such Analogical Argument In Quantum Theory Was Bohr's Correspondence Principle Which, In Darrigol's Words, Performed The Acrobatic Task Of Bridging Two Mutually Contradictory Theories (classical Electrodynamics And Atomic Theory), Without Diminishing The Contrast Between Them. By Analyzing The Origins, Development, And Applications Of This Principle, From C-numbers To Q-numbers Explains The Remarkable Fruitfulness Of The Research Done Under Bohr's Guidance Between 1916 And 1925 And Shows Why Heisenberg Claimed That Quantum Mechanics Was Born As A Quantitative Formulation Of The Correspondence Principle.--book Jacket. With A Physicist's Sure Hand, Darrigol Examines The Formal And The Epistemological Aspects Of The Analogy Between Classical And Quantum Mechanics.^ Unlike Previous Works, Which Have Tended To Focus On Qualitative, Global Arguments, He Follows The Lines Of Mathematical Reasoning And Symbolizing, And By Doing So He Is Able To Show The Motivations Of Early Quantum Theorists More Precisely - And Provocatively - Than Ever Before. For Instance, Darrigol Demonstrates That A Universal Principle Of Elementary Chaos Underlay Planck's Analogies, And That Bohr's Correspondence Principle Was Related To His Elaboration Of A Minimal-quantum Theoretical Language. Most Striking, Darrigol Reveals How Dirac's Personal Conception Of The Relations Among Algebra, Geometry, Use Of The Analogy Between C-numbers And And Physics Conditioned His Highly Creative Q-numbers.--book Jacket. Original, Erudite, And Witty, From C-numbers To Q-numbers Sets A New Standard For The Philosophically Perceptive And Mathematically Precise History Of Quantum Mechanics.^ For Years To Come It Will Influence Historical And Philosophical Discussions Of Twentieth-century Physics.--book Jacket. 1. Concepts Of Gas Theory.--2. Plack's Absolute Irreversibility. --3. On Irreversible Radiation Processes.--4. The Infrared Challenge.--5. The Bohr Atom (1913-1916).--6. Postulates And Principles.--7. Harmonic Interplay.--8. A Crisis.--9. The Virtual Orchestra.--10. Matrix Mechanics.--11. Classical Beauty.--12. Queer Numbers.--13. Quantum Beauty. Olivier Darrigol. Includes Bibliographical References And Index. A guide to the history of quantum theory, tracking the role of formal analogies between classical and quantum theory. From Planck's introduction of the quantum of action to Dirac's formulation of quantum mechanics, the text considers the role of analogies in scientific thinking and theory change.