Chapter 146 The strongest doctoral student in the history of Cambridge University!
At Li Qiwei’s doctoral graduation defense, almost all physicists from the Royal Society came out.
They are basically all well-known British physicists of the older generation, and their research fields are mainly traditional electromagnetism, mechanics, etc.
Although many people are not well-known in history, they all made special contributions, such as:
[Joseph Swan, 75 years old, the first person to obtain a patent for incandescent lamps .
His residence was the first private residence in the world to be lit by electric light.
And this old man had a grudge with Edison because of the light bulb patent.
It is rumored that Edison’s inspiration for inventing the electric light came directly from Swann.]
[James Dewar, 61 years old, invented the Dewar flask and studied the liquefaction and solidification of hydrogen. .
A low temperature of minus 260° was obtained for the first time, providing conditions for latecomers to study low temperature phenomena. 】
[Osborn Reynolds, 61 years old, made outstanding contributions in the field of fluid mechanics. He discovered the similarity law of flow and proposed the Reynolds number. 】
[Oliver Heaviside, 53 years old, self-taught, research direction is electromagnetic theory and electrical signal transmission.
In order to explain the reflection of radio waves, Heaviside conjectured that the atmosphere has a layer of conductive material (already proposed by Ridgway). 】
[John Poynting, 51 years old, a close friend of Thomson, researches on electromagnetic theory and universal gravitation. 】
Although Li Qiwei was used to the sensation he caused, he still couldn't help but feel nervous.
These people are not here to watch the show, but to ask questions when the time comes.
It is not an exaggeration to say that they are the elders of British physics.
If Li Qiwei wants to become an academician of the Royal Society, he will definitely get twice the result with half the effort if he can get the support of these people.
So, he made up his mind and prepared to perform well.
Li Qiwei smiled and said: "To be honest, Professor, after listening to your introduction, I have become nervous."
Thomson said: "Bruce, I don't believe your nonsense."
"I'm afraid you call us old guys in your heart."
Li Qiwei smiled bitterly and quickly denied, "This Impossible, you and they are both seniors in physics and deserve my respect."
Thomson was satisfied and nodded with a smile.
At this time, Li Qiwei said again: "I just hope that no one will ask some sharp questions that have nothing to do with academics this time."
Thomson was stunned for a moment, then smiled and said: "Don't worry, this time is different from your undergraduate defense."
"The doctoral defense focuses on the academic level, and no one will say anything irrelevant."< br>
“Besides, with your level, are you still afraid of other people’s tricky angles?”
Li Qiwei was relieved and found Wilson and Richardson again.
Wilson smiled and said: "Bruce, congratulations, I can call you Dr. Bruce right away."
Li Qiwei said: "It's a pity that I have worked hard for so long, and finally I will become a doctor and catch up with your level."
Wilson protested, not to be so hurtful.
His greatest reputation as co-author turned out to be his doctorate.
No, he vowed to become a professor as soon as possible.
Richardson also said: "Congratulations, Senior Bruce, I hope you will often write to us after returning to China."
"I still have many questions to ask you about."
Li Qiwei readily agreed and gave some of his usual notes to the two of them as a souvenir.
Then, he returned to his work station, packed his things, and prepared for the defense.
——
On January 20, 1903, it was finally the day for Dr. Li Qiwei’s defense. Different from the undergraduate defense, the teachers and students who came to audit this time were only from the University of Cambridge, and they were limited to physics majors.
As for others, they are not allowed into the conference room unless specifically invited.
This is also to protect the sanctity of the doctoral defense site and avoid riots.
Therefore, there are only about 100 people participating in this defense.
In addition to the members of the defense committee, there are also members of the Royal Society, all teachers and students of the Cavendish Laboratory, teachers and students of physics majors such as Trinity College, and some specially invited guests.
At 10 a.m., the defense started on time.
As Li Qiwei’s mentor, Thomson took the stage to speak first.
I saw him combing his messy hair in a rare way. He combed it meticulously and paired it with a decent dress, making him look energetic.
Everyone in the laboratory was amazed that Professor Thomson was dressed too formally today.
Everyone has never seen him take care of his appearance like this, always looking unkempt.
This shows that Thomson attaches great importance to this doctoral defense.
He cleared his throat and said vigorously: "Welcome everyone to attend Bruce's doctoral graduation defense today."
"According to the procedure, as his mentor, I will first of all Briefly introduce Bruce’s personal situation.”
“Li Qiwei, a native of Qing Dynasty, whose English name is Bruce Lee, is 23 years old.”
“In September 1897, he entered Trinity University of Cambridge. College and become an international student majoring in physics ”
"In June 1900, as the first author, he published quantum theory."
"In September 1900, at the London Quantum Theory Conference, he publicly proposed the principle of the photoelectric effect and later published it in the form of a paper."< br>
“In June 1901, at the undergraduate graduation defense, he proposed the concept of wave-particle duality of light, which was later published in the form of a paper.”
“In August 1901, at the Young Scholars Conference On the subject, he proposed the concept of atmospheric reflection layer, which provided a theoretical basis for global radio communications. "
"In October 1901, he won the first Nobel Prize in Physics for his contribution to quantum theory."
< br>
"In March 1902, as the co-first author, he published the special theory of relativity, and separately published the mass-energy equation."
"In November 1902, he published the planetary model explanation of the atomic structure."
"The above are Bruce Lee's academic achievements."
At this time, Thomson saw everyone's surprised expressions and smiled slightly. He hadn't finished speaking yet!
“In addition, he has invented more than 30 patents and helped various companies improve their technologies and products, with sales exceeding 400,000 pounds.”
"It is a model of physical theory guiding production practice. This move was vigorously promoted by the British government."
"In January 1902, he was awarded the title of Knight of the Lower Order."
" In the same month, he donated 5,000 pounds to Trinity College and donated all 3,300 pounds of his Nobel Prize to the University of Cambridge."
"The above are Bruce Lee's other achievements."
< br>At this moment, the expressions of everyone in the venue were numb.
They all knew Ridgway had accomplished a lot.
But when Thomson put it together in chronological order and clearly, he still shocked everyone.
As long as a young man in his twenties obtains any of the above achievements, he can be called a young talent.
And now, when all these honors are gathered together, how should this person be described and evaluated?
Li Qiwei is a living example before our eyes.
His achievements seem to be more dazzling than the sun, making it difficult for people to look directly at him.
(End of this chapter)