An intellectual and cultural history of the birth of theoretical physics in Germany, focusing on the pedagogy and research of a leader in work on the "older" quantum theory. Arnold Sommerfeld (1868-1951) was among the most significant contributors to the birth of modern theoretical physics. At the University of Munich, beginning in 1906, he trained two generations of theoretical physicists. Eig…
A physicist's efforts to understand the enigma that is quantum mechanics. Quantum mechanics is one of the glories of our age. The theory lies at the heart of modern society. Quantum mechanics is one of our most valuable forecasters--a "great predictor." It has immeasurably altered our conception of the natural world. Its philosophical implications are earthshaking. But quantum mechanics steadfa…