Quantum Mechanics, 1895-1913 (original) (raw)

The period 1895-1913 represents a watershed in the history of modern physics. i Indeed, experimental and theoretical work within the physics community during this time culminated in a new perspective on the structure of matter and the way that physicists viewed the world. ii The existence of a structured subatomic world was confirmed and classical theories were found deficient in fitting the new evidence. New theories were proposed to explain relationships between new phenomena. New models of the atom were constructed and shaped as metaphors for modern perspectives on the subatomic world. Methods, experiments and theories developed during these decades marked the beginning of a shift from classical theories of matter toward quantum mechanics. The new questions, along with the increasing lure of science during that time, helped transform the physics establishment. Scientists worked to contradict media and public reactions associating atomic physics with elixirs, poisons and doomsdays. Throughout the world, the thought of probing the atomic world inspired visions of both hope and fear. Historically, these developments reflected the complex interaction between cultural, economic, intellectual, technological and factors that underlie modern science.

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