Out of the Crystal Maze: Chapters from The History of Solid State Physics by Lillian Hoddeson (PDF)

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This landmark work chronicles the origin and evolution of solid state physics, which grew to maturity between 1920 and 1960. The book examines the early roots of the field in industrial, scientific and artistic efforts and traces them through the 1950s, when many physicists around the world recognized themselves as members of a distinct subfield of physics research centered on solids. The book opens with an account of scientific and social developments that preceded the discovery of quantum mechanics, including the invention of new experimental means for studying solids and the establishment of the first industrial laboratories. The authors set the stage for the modern era by detailing the formulation of the quantum field theory of solids. The core of the book examines six major themes: the band theory of solids; the phenomenology of imperfect crystals; the puzzle of the plastic properties of solids, solved by the discovery of dislocations; magnetism; semiconductor physics; andcollective phenomena, the context in which old puzzles such as superconductivity and superfluidity were finally solved. All readers interested in the history of science will find this absorbing volume an essential resource for understanding the emergence of contemporary physics.

User’s Reviews

Editorial Reviews: Review “Many miracles of modern technology . . . are based on a special understanding of the properties of materials gleaned through scientific research. This book, almost encyclopedic in its scope, focuses on the history of how this understanding was achieved through ever-deeper investigations into the properties of crystalline solids. The book is the result of extensive work carried out by 14 distinguished historians of science who lavished a combination of scholarship and devotion on the subject. As stated in the preface, the volume represents the result of probably the largest international program in the history of science carried out so far . . . . Many of the individuals who made significant contributions between the mind-1920s and 1960 were alive and could be interviewed–a feature that provides the volume with a living quality of special merit.” –Physics Today”The style is brisk and entertaining and the stories of the early solid state physicists and their institutions will be of general interest. . . . all written by recognized authorities. . . . nearly 2,700 references to primary sources, and many details are reported here for the first time.” –Choice”This fascinating book has arisen from an extraordinary international collaboration of historians of science. . . . undertakes a broad range of subjects. . . . thorough and entertaining treatment of the subjects covered causes the thoughtful reader to hope that this book will meet with sufficient success to encourage the authors to continue the story. . . . a wonderful achievement and the authors are to be congratulated for bringing to fruition what can only be regarded as a huge and daunting undertaking requiring intense effort. Out of the Crystal Maze provides wonderful examples of the contributions of unfettered human curiosity and creativity to the advancement of society.” –Scanning”The international collaboration that marks this impressive work encouraged not only additional materials but also perspectives that might otherwise have been neglected. .. . all the authors and editors clearly deserve great credit for laying solid foundation for a history of solid state physics.” –American Journal of Physics”A massive but exciting book, covering in depth many aspects of the field. Photographs, together with personal reminiscences, enliven the presentation.” –Physics World”. . . a valuable start to an ambitious project and the book is likely to become an authoritative secondary source for anyone trying to follow up some aspect of the history in depth.” –David Shoenberg, Nature”Clearly there is a great range of issues treated in a book which is neither 700 pages of figures . . . nor a bland chronological record of the achievements of heroic individuals. . . . stimulating. For all those interested in the physics of the 20th century, whether as historians, scientists, or both, this splendidly produced book is essential reading.” –Ben Marsden, The Times Higher Education Supplement From the Back Cover This landmark work chronicles the origin and evolution of solid state physics, which grew to maturity between 1920 and 1960. The book examines the early roots of the field in industrial, scientific and artistic efforts and traces them through the 1950s, when many physicists around the world recognized themselves as members of a distinct subfield of physics research centered on solids. About the Author Lillian Hoddeson is at University of Illinois. Ernst Braun is at Institut fur Sozio-Okonomische Entwicklungsforschung. Read more

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