Physics In America Research Articles

Quantum physics in America between the wars

This is a historical review of some of the developments of the quantum theory of atoms, molecules, and solids during the period 1920–1940, with particular references to the work of the author during this period, and to other work in the United States.

Physics in America at Crossroads and in Crisis, Panel Says

Physics in America at Crossroads and in Crisis, Panel Says

Theoretical particle physics

“Gentlemen and Fellow Physicists of America: We meet today on an occasion which marks an epoch in the history of physics in America; may the future show that it also marks an epoch in the history of the science which this Society is organized to cultivate!” (Rowland, 1899).1 These are the opening words of the address by Henry Rowland, the first president of Springer-Verlag Berlin Heidelberg, at the Society’s first meeting, held in New York on October 28, 1899. I do not believe that Rowland would have been disappointed by what the next few generations of physicists have cultivated so far.

The outlook for physics in America

The outlook for physics in America

The Physicists: The History of a Scientific Community in Modern America

This magnificent account of the coming of age of physics in America has been heralded as the best introduction to the history of science in the United States. Unsurpassed in its breadth and literary style, Kevles's account portrays the brilliant scientists who became a powerful force in bringing the world into a revolutionary new era. The book ranges widely as it links these exciting developments to the social, cultural, and political changes that occurred from the post-Civil War years to the present. Throughout, Kevles keeps his eye on the central question of how an avowedly elitist enterprise grew and prospered in a democratic culture. In this new edition, the author has brought the story up to date by providing an extensive, authoritative, and colorful account of the Superconducting Super Collider, from its origins in the international competition and intellectual needs of high-energy particle physics, through its establishment as a multibillion-dollar project, to its termination, in 1993, as a result of angry opposition within the American physics community and the Congress.

Quantum physics in America between the wars

MANY YOUNGER PHYSICISTS feel that all physics has grown up since World War II; or if they admit some earlier science, they feel that in this country everything started with the influx of European scientists as a result of political difficulties, beginning with the rise of Hitler in 1933, in Germany and Italy.

The President's special assistant for science and technology addresses the American Physical Society

Physics in America is flourishing; it is a robust active science and nothing makes that point better than the number, quality, and variety of researches being reported and discussed at this meeting. One sees progress in high‐energy particle physics, in theoretical physics, in nuclear‐structure physics, in studies of solids, in the renascent optics connected with lasers, as well as in other areas. Perhaps more than in the formal program, one feels its vitality in the youth of the participants, the little knots of intense people, earnestly engaged in sometimes excited discussion in the corridors and outside the formal meeting rooms. It is not hard to understand that physics in our country occupies a leading position in the world today.

International Conference on the Quantum Interactions of the Free Electron: Electron physics in America

Dr. Marton said I was going to speak about the history of electron physics in America. I think you are very fortunate that he did not make this request of someone competent to fulfill it, for if he had this person might have done it; and I can imagine nothing less appropriate for this hour of the evening of a busy day and particularly after so brilliant a speech as you have just heard.

The highest aim of the physicist

Gentlemen and Fellow Physicists of America:We meet to‐day on an occasion which marks an epoch in the history of physics in America; may the future show that it also marks an epoch in the history of the science which this society is organized to cultivate! For we meet here in the interest of a science above all sciences, which deals with the foundation of the Universe, with the constitution of matter from which everything in the Universe is made, and with the ether of space by which alone the various portions of matter forming the Universe affect each other even at such distances as we may never expect to traverse whatever the progress of our science in the future.

Comments on ``Organization of Physics in America''

First Page

Organization of Physics in America

Organization of Physics in America

The American Institute of Physics Building. I. Early History of the Building

A HOME office for the American Institute of Physics, as well as a national headquarters for its member societies and for the physicists of America is no longer a dream but a definite accomplished fact. At a fraction of its former value, the Institute has obtained a building eminently suited to its needs. Because of the durable construction and fire-proof nature of the building, upkeep costs will be reasonably low. This fact together with the tax-free status of the Institute makes ``home-ownership'' decidedly a matter of good business. The suitability of the building for the purposes of the Institute has been emphasized in the appeal for funds. The dignified entrance hall will make physicists proud of ``their building.'' The large member's room on the second floor will provide a place for physicists visiting New York to read, write, telephone, and meet people. In addition, this room will make an excellent board room and meeting place for small groups. The other rooms on the second, third, and fourth floors will provide adequate space for the Director, Publications Manager, and other officers of the Institute, and for the publications staff. Fortunately there is room for the expansion of the activities of the Institute which is sure to come in the near future. Many of the interior photographs in this issue of the Journal show the furnishings of the building when used as a residence. Naturally when used as an office some of the elegance will be sacrificed for utility. The Institute will of necessity carry out gradually interior decorations adapted to its new use. Since the building has not been used for several years minor repairs and a thorough cleaning will be in order first of all. Although the present appearance of the building inside and out is not as bright as the pictures used here indicate the architectural details are in sound condition underneath the grime. Dr. Barton has pointed out that the goal of $75,000 which must be raised if this building is to be owned by the Institute free-of-debt has not yet been reached. Physicists are asked to send in their contributions soon. Every physicist will want to own a small part of this building. It is to be hoped that everyone will make a contribution even if it must be small so that the Institute will know that physicists are unanimously back of its carefully formulated program for the future of organized physics in America. Great credit is due to the Governing Board and the War Policy Committee, but those close to the Institute know that were it not for the hard work and unbounded enthusiasm of the Director and the Publications Manager, a national headquarters for physicists would not have been possible for a long time to come. So that physicists may become better acquainted with their new headquarters, a series of articles describing the building is planned. The first of these is concerned with its early history and follows below.—The Editor

The Highest Aim of the Physicist

Gentlemen and Fellow Physicists of America:We meet to‐day on an occasion which marks an epoch in the history of physics in America; may the future show that it also marks an epoch in the history of the science which this society is organized to cultivate! For we meet here in the interest of a science above all sciences, which deals with the foundation of the Universe, with the constitution of matter from which everything in the Universe is made, and with the ether of space by which alone the various portions of matter forming the Universe affect each other even at such distances as we may never expect to traverse whatever the progress of our science in the future.

The highest aim of the physicist

Gentlemen and Fellow Physicists of America:We meet to‐day on an occasion which marks an epoch in the history of physics in America; may the future show that it also marks an epoch in the history of the science which this society is organized to cultivate! For we meet here in the interest of a science above all sciences, which deals with the foundation of the Universe, with the constitution of matter from which everything in the Universe is made, and with the ether of space by which alone the various portions of matter forming the Universe affect each other even at such distances as we may never expect to traverse whatever the progress of our science in the future.