Chapter 83 The Nobel Prize is about to be announced, and the storm is surging
On September 21, 1901, the two top academic journals in the field of physics, "Nature" and "Science" published articles almost at the same time.
A big news was announced: the world’s first natural science award, the Nobel Prize, will announce the winners in mid-October.
The article contains detailed information about the award, which of course weakens the Peace Prize and the Literature Prize.
A few days later, the news suddenly caused a magnitude 18 earthquake in the physics community. Everyone was buzzing from the shock, and then they became excited.
Countless physicists are looking forward to it, hoping that they will be lucky enough to win.
Regarding the early Nobel Prize, many people in later generations have a misunderstanding, thinking that it has little influence in the physics community, let alone being outside the circle.
But the real situation is not like this. From the following aspects, you will find that the Nobel Prize was still shocking at the time.
First, Nobel, the founder of the award, is not an unknown person.
Nobel himself was a Swedish chemist and inventor, famous for his invention of dynamite.
He owned 355 patented inventions in his life, opened about 100 companies and factories in 20 countries including Europe and the United States, and accumulated huge wealth.
It can be said that Nobel himself is a top scholar, but he is just good at business.
So the award he established is not for fame and reputation, but because he sincerely dedicates everything to the cause of science.
The awards have high aspirations.
Second, the prize money for the award is huge and unprecedented.
Before Nobel's death, he donated all of his estate, with the total amount reaching a terrifying 31 million Swedish kronor.
It was equivalent to 1.7% of the entire Swedish national GDP and 17% of the entire Swedish fiscal revenue at that time.
It is with such a large amount of money that the Swedish government has the motivation to insist on awarding the Nobel Prize.
Five major awards, the prize money of a single Nobel Prize in Physics is also as high as 150,000 Swedish krona. This is the first time, and the prize money will be higher in future years.
So, just the bonus is enough to make anyone crazy.
You know, even in later generations, there are very few awards that can easily give out millions, and most of them are groups.
The Nobel Prize is only awarded to individuals, not to groups, so the prize money each person can get is extremely considerable.
Scientists are also human beings, and they also need to eat, drink, and sleep. A high bonus is a sign of respect for humanity, and it is also a sign of respect for science.
On the contrary, awards that only give out a piece of paper treat people as cattle and horses, and only give honors but no money.
Third, there is no doubt about the authority of the award.
The physics prize and the chemistry prize are both awarded by the Royal Swedish Academy of Sciences.
The Royal Swedish Academy of Sciences is full of talents, ranking alongside the British Royal Academy of Sciences and the French Academy of Sciences.
It is Sweden's highest academic institution and science center, which exists independently and does not belong to the government.
As for the candidate nominees, they are all professors from well-known universities such as Sweden, Norway, and Denmark, and they all have their own influence in the field of physics.
The performance requirements for candidates are even more stringent, and must be the most significant discovery or invention.
Therefore, the goal set by the Nobel Prize from the beginning proved its authority and has not changed since then.
And the king personally awarded the award. Europe and the United States have indeed never lost in superficial skills, and they know how to manipulate people's psychology.
Fourth is the groundbreaking nature of the award.
Before the Nobel Prize, there were no formal awards in the field of physics, and everyone’s achievements were judged by a few acquaintances.
Not to mention awards that cover multiple countries, there is no such thing.
The emergence of the Nobel Prize filled the gap.
It does not limit the nationality of the winners and places the screening on a global scale.
Enable all physicists to participate.
This naturally greatly aroused the enthusiasm of scholars.
Based on the above four conditions, we can know that although the Nobel Prize in the early period was not as mythical as in later generations.
But in this era, it is still the world's number one award in the field of natural sciences.
At least in the minds of physicists, the Nobel Prize in Physics is the supreme existence and everyone’s dream.
Now, the list of winners of this award is about to be announced, which truly attracts the attention of thousands of people.
As time goes by, it is almost reaching the point where everyone knows it.
This is also the result of vigorous publicity by the governments of Sweden and Norway (which award the Peace Prize).
As long as the Nobel Prize becomes more famous and more influential, then the two countries will naturally become famous.
At that time, more scientific talents will be attracted, which is a positive feedback.
In the Cavendish Laboratory, Ridgway, Rutherford, Wilson, and Richardson were chatting.
Wilson looked excited and excitedly recounted the news he heard from somewhere, "I really didn't expect that the Nobel Prize in Physics would have such a big influence."
"Now Throughout Cambridge, almost all teachers and students were discussing it, and some even made predictions, the kind you know.”
A few people smiled knowingly. It was indeed not a good idea for physicists to discuss [Probability Competition].
Richardson is the younger brother, and continued: "I heard that Oxford University made harsh words, and you must win one of the five awards."
Wilson said disdainfully: "What's the use of winning the literature award. In my opinion, only the Nobel Prize in Physics, Chemistry, Physiology or Medicine is reliable.”
“It’s hard for me to imagine any evaluation criteria for the Literature Prize and the Peace Prize.”< br>
“Physics is different. If it works, it works, and if it doesn’t, it doesn’t work. It is not based on human will, and there is no influence of fraud and human factors.”
"If I happen to be selected this time, do you three think it's fair?"
The three of them were immediately amused and laughed.
Li Qiwei couldn't help but laugh and said: "Wilson, you are too unsure. Of course you have a chance to win the award."
Then he changed the topic, "There will only be one The disadvantage is that the Nobel Prize can only be held once."
Wilson was stunned for a few seconds before reacting, and protested on the spot that Li Qiwei's comments were too harsh.
Rutherford smiled and said: "We are lucky to live in this era. If the Nobel Prize in Physics had appeared decades earlier, I can't imagine how fierce the competition would be."
Several people nodded in agreement. If it were true, In that way, there is no need to choose at all for the first session, it must be Maxwell, and then there will be a duel between the next-level masters.
Rutherford continued: "I personally think that the first Nobel Prize in Physics should not be awarded to results related to classical physics."
"The high probability is that in X-rays and radioactivity , electrons, atomic spectra, etc.”
“Bruce’s quantum theory and photoelectric effect are definitely powerful competitive achievements, no less than those of his predecessors.”
"As for the next few sessions, I guess there may be research directions such as gas discharge, cathode rays, and spectroscopy."
After listening to Rutherford's analysis, Li Qiwei was immediately shocked. The master is indeed a master, and his vision is too great. Sharp.
The results mentioned by the other party have basically won the previous physics Nobel Prizes.
For these theories or discoveries that are recognized as having great influence, everyone basically thinks they will win the prize, but there is only a certain order. Wilson said sourly at this time: "It would be terrible if Bruce won the award. He is not even a doctor now."
Li Qiwei couldn't laugh or cry after hearing this, and suddenly thought of a joke from later generations: If I win the Nobel Prize, can I get a doctorate degree in 985?
This kind of thing might really happen to him, of course, the premise is that he can win the first award.
Because next year, he will publish his specialization, and he will definitely graduate with a doctorate directly.
When the time comes, the Nobel Prize Committee in Physics will not even dare to award this theory.
Moreover, a bold idea suddenly appeared in Li Qiwei's mind.
In the future, it is possible that there will be a scientific award named after him.
Those candidates who do not win the Ridgway Prize will be awarded a Nobel Prize as a consolation
Just thinking about that scene makes his blood boil.
Wilson saw that Li Qiwei's expression was not right, and immediately pulled away from the other two people, because he knew that Bruce was about to start showing off, and he had to leave quickly.
In Germany, at the Institute of Physics of the University of Munich, Professor Roentgen, as the director, is correcting documents at the moment.
His student Laue came in excitedly. After reporting his work, he asked to say one thing.
Professor Roentgen was curious and signaled that he could continue.
"Professor, did you know? Now people everywhere in Munich University say that you have a high probability of winning the first Nobel Prize in Physics!"
"It is said that they have also made a list. , you are ranked first.”
Professor Roentgen expressed helplessness at the actions of these young people and said with a smile: “There are many people with higher achievements than me, and no one can guarantee to win the prize.”
Laue said enviously: "Bruce was ranked ninth by them, and he is also a strong contender for the Nobel Prize."
Rentgen shook his head, as if saying to himself: "The ranking is low, according to me Look, ranking first is worthy of the name."
Then, he suddenly pretended to be stern, "Look at Bruce, and then look at yourself, you are actually no worse than him in terms of IQ."
"He was able to achieve that kind of achievement simply because he devoted all his time to research. You should learn from him."
"The last conference you attended in Belgium was very good. There were some The content is very inspiring to me.”
"When you encounter difficulties, you should write more letters and communicate with Bruce. I have a hunch that his future will definitely be limitless."
Laue muttered, "I'm not bad either."
Roentgen said, "Okay, then I will wait and you will come back with a Nobel Prize in Physics for me."
Laue immediately frowned, and instead of getting rid of the melon, he was taught a lesson. Professor Roentgen was too strict. Too harsh.
On the other side, at the University of Berlin, Planck's office was filled with laughter and laughter.
Schrick, his favorite student, no longer looked as proud and impulsive as before, but became very calm and high-spirited.
Planck liked this student even more than Li Qiwei.
Because the relationship between him and Li Qiwei is not just as simple as a teacher and student, but more like a kind of confidant, a friend who has been friends for many years.
"Teacher, the quantum theory of you and Bruce is being spread out now. It is definitely a Nobel Prize-level achievement."
"It is very likely to win this year's Nobel Prize in Physics."
Plank smiled slightly. He took these honors very lightly. It was his wish that his descendants would achieve something.
“I’m afraid the rumors are different in every school. Everyone wants their school to produce a Nobel laureate in physics.”
“When I go out to make introductions in the future, I will feel more respectable. "
Schlick was immediately seen through and smiled awkwardly, "But I really envy Bruce. If he wins the award, he will be too young."
Pu. When Langke heard this, his thoughts drifted to the distance. He also wanted to expect a miracle.
France, University of Paris, in the physics laboratory, Mr. Curie is conducting experiments with Langevin.
As a result, the other party seemed to be absent-minded and made several small mistakes one after another.
Mr. Curie asked: "Lang Zhiwan, what's wrong with you? Are you feeling uncomfortable?"
Lang Zhiwan reacted and apologized quickly, "Oh, Professor, I was just distracted. "I'm thinking about the Nobel Prize in Physics."
Mr. Curie heard this and said with a smile: "You young people just can't keep calm. It will be revealed one day. Why do you care in advance?" .”
Lang Zhiwan suddenly smiled playfully and defended: "That's because I hope Professor you can win the award, so that I will have more face when I go out in the future."
"My tutor is a Nobel Prize winner in physics, whoever Universities will hire me."
Mr. Curie was amused by Lang Zhiwan, "I just did a small job, how can I expect to win the award? Professor Becquerel deserves it."
Lang Zhiwan said: "That is also due to you and your wife." Speaking of Madame Curie, Lang Zhiwan's expression suddenly softened, but Curie did not notice it.
Professor Millikan is communicating with colleagues at the University of Chicago in the United States.
Since he brought back what he saw at the Young Scholars Conference in Brussels, he was immediately sought after by everyone.
There are often exchange meetings held between their universities, which are mainly attended by young people.
Millikan is now being hit by young people.
Born, Langevin, Laue and Einstein were all young men in their early twenties, but they left a deep impression on him.
Let him know that talent does exist in this world, and it is the kind that can be seen with the naked eye.
Millikan sometimes wondered whether he had made the wrong choice to pursue a career in physics.
To engage in physics, you may only need the best people.
The figure of Li Qiwei appeared in his mind again, that genius who was too dazzling to look directly at. Can he win the first Nobel Prize in Physics?
Just now, his colleagues complained to him that the current scientific strength of the United States is still far behind Europe.
The only person who can compete this time is Professor Michelson, the chairman of the Department of Physics at the University of Chicago.
The famous Michelson-Morley experiment proved that the ether does not exist. Such an achievement is definitely Nobel Prize-level.
Except for these very few people who are qualified to compete for the Nobel Prize, most of them are watching and guessing with curiosity.
These days, no matter whether it is a major newspaper or tabloid, whether it is a scientific journal or a news magazine, the Nobel Prize is always on the front page.
Politicians see public opinion from the Peace Prize.
Writers have seen dissatisfaction from the literary awards. Since ancient times, literati have looked down upon each other.
Only practitioners in the natural sciences see authority from the three major awards and see goals for future endeavors.
The discussion outside is in full swing, everyone is praying for their idol, it’s a crazy scene.
However, in Sweden, there were great differences at the secret meeting of the Nobel Prize Committee in Physics.
The final candidate has never been determined. Each of the five members of the group has their own reasons.
Thank you all book friends for your strong support. I hope that those who haven’t made a first order will do so.
(End of this chapter)