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255

Werner Heisenberg

Currency:USD Category:Collectibles / Autographs Start Price:NA Estimated At:3,000.00 - 5,000.00 USD
Werner Heisenberg

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Auction Date:2011 Oct 12 @ 18:00 (UTC-5 : EST/CDT)
Location:5 Rt 101A Suite 5, Amherst, New Hampshire, 03031, United States
ALS - Autograph Letter Signed
ANS - Autograph Note Signed
AQS - Autograph Quotation Signed
AMQS - Autograph Musical Quotation Signed
DS - Document Signed
FDC - First Day Cover
Inscribed - “Personalized”
ISP - Inscribed Signed Photograph
LS - Letter Signed
SP - Signed Photograph
TLS - Typed Letter Signed
German theoretical physicist (1901–1976) awarded the 1932 Nobel Prize in physics for the creation of quantum mechanics. Extremely rare unpublished handwritten scientific manuscript, in German, three pages on two adjoined sheets, 8.25 x 11.5, no date but circa 1964. Manuscript is titled at the top, “Development of the theory of the particle.” In part (translated): “What is a particle? The last building block: protons, neutrons and electrons. Are they invisible? The earlier view expressed in Democritus. Today: the magnetic Berkeley. Question: can one divide them? How? A manifold initial approach. Particle = forms of energy. Energy tends to matter in which it appears in the form of a particle…II. What does a uniform field-theory mean/signify? A) Einstein’s attempt [to create] a unified field-theory. Argument: Attempt: Forces:…gravity, atom, however, not fully separated. Return to Newton. Critique: it does not work without its quantum-theory. Now a spectrum of a unified field-theory, very many fields. But uniformity necessary. Unified ‘field-theory’ = unified particle-theory = unified force [power]-theory etc…End: A philosophical interpretation. Transformation of the pictures that themselves make up physicists. Democratis–Plato. The smallest parts/elements are ‘mathematical forms.’ For Plato…In our time:…of the time of symmetries. But decidedly: such questions that are 2500 years old shall now actually be settled. Already in a few years we will know what the structure of the world in the smallest form is. I guess that its very platonic. Here is no speculation. But that will be settled by experimental physicists.” In fine condition, with central horizontal and vertical fold. Accompanied by an untranslated 1964 ALS, in German, from Heisenberg, and its original mailing envelope.

These magnificent, tersely written notes were used by Heisenberg during a lecture he presented in Budapest after receiving an honorary degree from Eotvos Lorand University, and includes remarkable references to particle physics. Asking “What is a particle?,” Heisenberg explores the particle’s historical conception, contrasting Neils Bohr’s views with current “pictures” and noting the “mathematical complication of the modern conception. “He then proceeds to explore the meaning of “Unified Field Theory”—referencing Albert Einstein and Sir Isaac Newton—and equates it with “Unified Particle Theory.” Affirming that quantum theory is essential to a successful formulation, Heisenberg states that the required uniformity is to be achieved through mathematical abstraction before proceeding to a consideration of a “self-contained theory” and explores its practical and theoretical implications. Heisenberg concludes with a “philosophical interpretation” in which he propounds a “Platonic” vision of particles as “mathematical forms.” The accompanying letter was sent to the president of the university in thanks for the honor.
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