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History 181B:  Modern Physics

Night Thoughts of a Classical Physicist

 
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Background Russell McCormmach's Night Thoughts of a Classical Physicist, set in 1918, is a work of historical fiction. Victor Jakob never existed, but his figure is partly based on Heinrich Kayser, a German spectroscopist. The Geheimrath (a term of status in Germany for a high government official, like a full professor) is a composite of several institute directors. All the named physicists with whom Jakob interacts are depicted true-to-life, as is Friedrich Althoff; the universities, the institutes, the journals, the scientific societies and practices are all taken from historical fact. The details are given at the back of the book.
Assignment Write a three-page essay on one of the following topics:
  • What did it mean to Jakob to call his physics "classical"? For him, what were the characteristic features of classical physics? With what broader intellectual attitudes did it it resonate? What did he feel was lost when it was displaced?
  • What were the working conditions of a theoretical physicist in Victor Jakob's day? Describe how the profession came into being, giving some specific historical examples. At the time, the rise of theoreticians was viewed somewhat ambiguously. Why? (Make sure you answer this question. And if you like, what has changed in the meantime?)
  • No one writing about physics today would imagine telling a story in this tone. Why did the author choose this style and voice? What is he trying to accomplish with it? This topic may appeal to you if you disliked the book: Think about why you disliked it. But your essay should not be an unloading of what you did not like about it. This is a question about the author's choices, not about your response. Instead, think about what the author was aiming to do, making use of the fact that his approach did not work for you.
If you want to frame your own question, get my approval first.
Documentation Identify quotations from or references to the book with parenthetical citations in the following format: (McCormmach, 67). You do not need to document material from lectures.
 Reminders The paper is to be typed, double-spaced in normal-sized fonts with reasonable margins. No cover page is necessary, but put your name and the assignment at the top of the first page. Number your pages. Proper writing (grammar, organization, style) definitely counts.

Written assignments may not be submitted by e-mail or in any other electronic form. Papers are due in class, and late papers will be penalized: each day (or fraction thereof, starting at 11:00 a.m.) that a paper is late will reduce its grade by 2/3 of a mark (e.g., A to B+, B- to C).

The essay is due in class on Monday, February 10. You need to start reading the book well beforehand.
Copyright © Cathryn Carson 2003