Chapter 258 Rejecting Edison and meeting Compton for the first time

Chapter 258 Rejecting Edison and meeting Compton for the first time

After Ridgway’s speech ended, the audience exited in an orderly manner.

But he can't leave directly yet.

Woodrow asked Richardson to take Li Qiwei to visit the physics department of Princeton University.

Both parties exchange academic and teaching experience, etc.

Michelson, Millikan and others were preparing to leave.

But they were not disappointed because they would meet again soon.

Michelson smiled and said: "Bruce, today's speech was really wonderful."

"This time because of you, I will definitely be the envy of my peers."
< br>Li Qiwei said: "I have to thank you, Professor, for giving me this opportunity, otherwise it would not be easy for me to become famous in the United States."

Everyone laughed along with him.

Michelson continued: "Bruce, let's go first."

"Let's have a good chat at the regular academic meeting of the Physical Society on November 15th."

Li Qiwei said: "Definitely."

Michelson invited Li Qiwei to come to the United States this time.

It’s certainly not as simple as just one speech.

He also invited Li Qiwei to attend a meeting of the American Physical Society.

Let Li Qiwei share today's most cutting-edge physical theories.

Although everyone can read the paper, there are some deep things that the paper cannot show.

Therefore, the experience of physics masters is very precious.

Michelson just wanted Li Qiwei to teach American physicists.

In this era, the United States, like other countries, almost copies the British in science education.

The United Kingdom has the Association for the Advancement of Science, and the United States also has the Association for the Advancement of Science.

The United Kingdom has a Physical Society, and the United States also has a Physical Society.

It’s just that there are too many physics bigwigs in the UK, resulting in a very low sense of existence of the Physical Society.

After all, many big bosses have personalities and don't like to be restrained. It's a bit difficult to get them together on time for meetings.

To put it bluntly, no one has enough authority to call on others.

This is also the reason why many physicists like Li Qiwei.

With him, physics seems to have a backbone, and everyone can sit down and discuss research together.

But the United States is different.

In 1899, 36 American physicists headed by Rowland gathered at Columbia University and founded the American Physical Society.

The original intention of the establishment of the Society was actually to improve the status of academic physics.

Because at that time, Edison, the inventor king with pragmatic ideas, was the image of an orthodox scientist in the minds of the American people.

Although Edison made almost no contribution to the development of physical theory, it did not prevent him from becoming famous.

Roland, who invented the precision diffraction grating, had his instruments snapped up by European physicists who studied spectroscopy.

He also has a certain reputation in the European physics community where great minds gather.

But the American people don’t know what grating is.

In the eyes of ordinary people, electric lights, phonographs, and movies are more interesting and "higher technology content" than gratings.

Applied physics is far more interesting than academic physics.

The American Physical Society was established against this background.

After becoming president, Michelson has been committed to improving the international status of American physics.

When he won the Nobel Prize in Physics, his authority was greatly enhanced.

If Edison is the leader of applied physics in the United States, then Michelson is the first person of academic physics.

It has been more than 10 years since the establishment of the American Physical Society.

The number of members it has attracted also exceeds 100.

And Michelson abandoned the strict boundaries between scholarship and application.

People like Edison were also recruited as members to enhance the society's influence.

It must be said that as president, Michelson is still very courageous, daring to break conventions and use all resources.

So in the United States, the academic conference of the Physical Society is currently the most authoritative conference in the field of physics.

And Li Qiwei wanted to communicate with American physicists at this kind of meeting.

Just as he was thinking about these things in his mind, suddenly a young man came over.

He was smiling, looking very handsome in a suit, and said in a respectful tone:

"Hello, Professor Bruce, my name is Langmuir, do you remember me?"< br>
Li Qiwei was stunned for a moment when he saw the person coming, and then he remembered.

Xin Dao, of course I remember you, you appeared in Chapter 75.

Langmuir was invited by Ridgway to attend the first Brussels Conference of Young Scholars.

At that time, he was just an ordinary student at Columbia University.

So, Li Qiwei replied: "Oh, it turns out to be Langmuir. Of course I know you."

"At the Brussels Young Scholars Conference, I was impressed by your cheerfulness and wit. I was deeply impressed.”

“Your mentor, Nernst, mentioned you when we were chatting.”

"You are the best doctor he has ever taught. It's a pity that he couldn't keep you."

Langmuir was very happy to hear Li Qiwei's words. He did not expect that Professor Bruce, who is now world-renowned, I still remember this little guy like him.

And his mentor Nernst also remembers him.

It's a pity that he didn't know that this was all Li Qiwei's nonsense, and Nernst had long forgotten about him.

At this time, Li Qiwei asked again: "After ten years of separation, how are you doing recently? Are you still engaged in physics research?"

Langmuir said a little ashamedly: "I am now a researcher at the General Electric Research Laboratory."

"My current work is mainly studying the improvement of incandescent lamps and the direction of surface chemistry."

Li Qiwei patted him on the shoulder and encouraged: "There is no distinction between high and low in research. Applied physics is as important as academic physics."

"I believe that with your intelligence, you will make excellent results wherever you go. "

Langmuir was very encouraged after hearing this, and then he said: "By the way, Professor, I am looking for you this time because I have something to tell you."

Ridgway wondered, "What's the matter."

Langmuir then explained: "It's like this. Mr. Edison has entrusted me to invite you to his laboratory in West Orange."

“He wants to discuss with you the application of physics.”

Li Qiwei was happy after hearing this.

Edison was thinking shit.

Although West Orange and Princeton are both in New Jersey, the distance between the two places is only more than 60 kilometers.

Even in this day and age, it only takes more than an hour to get there.

But Edison actually wanted me to take the initiative to see him?

Be outrageous!

In terms of academic level, Li Qiwei is the winner of the Nobel Prize in Physics and the founder of the theory of relativity and quantum theory, crushing Edison ten times.

In terms of wealth, although he didn't know how rich Edison was, he didn't think there was an order of magnitude difference between him and himself.

And his future business layout is not comparable to that of Edison.

In terms of status, he is the right minister of the Qing Dynasty Academy, and a British knight. Well, Edison's British knighthood seems to be slightly higher than him.

But when it comes to wives, he has two.

What did Edison compare himself to.

He was so arrogant that he allowed himself to visit him. It seems that this old boy can't recognize himself a little bit.

Li Qiwei's guess is correct.

Edison deliberately wanted to give Li Qiwei a blow.

He knew that after Li Qiwei came to the United States, he would definitely not go to Princeton to welcome him in person because of his prejudice against Li Qiwei.

But he also wanted to know Li Qiwei's every move.

So Langmuir, who had crossed paths with Li Qiwei, was attracted by him.

And Langmuir was working at General Electric Company, so Edison felt it was easy to handle.

So, he asked Langmuir to invite Ridgway to his laboratory after the speech.

When Li Qiwei arrives on his territory, he will not be manipulated at will.

And Edison would also show off the advancement of his factory and how great his inventions were.

When he thought of Li Qiwei's deflated appearance, Edison felt refreshed.

However, he was destined to be disappointed.

After the content of today's speech comes out, Edison will probably be even more unhappy with Li Qiwei.

Because Li Qiwei publicly opposed his famous saying.

This seemed to Edison a provocation.

However, Li Qiwei would not take advantage of him.

You are the king of invention, and I am also the king of physics.

If I were determined enough to invent it, the manpower of the U.S. Patent Office would have to be expanded tenfold.

So Li Qiwei said to Langmuir: "I'm really sorry, I have some other things to do and can't go to the appointment."

"You can tell Mr. Edison that we can have a good exchange at the American Physical Society on the 15th."

Langmuir smiled bitterly, this job is really difficult to do.

Edison's original words were not so polite, but in a commanding tone.

From this point, Langmuir knew that there must be some grudge between Edison and Professor Bruce.

However, Langmuir felt that it was a bit too rude, so he changed the invitation words without authorization.

He did not dare to refuse Edison's mission.

At this time, Langmuir was not yet an academic leader who would win the Nobel Prize in Chemistry in the future.

He is just an ordinary employee of General Electric Company.

Although Edison is no longer the boss of General Electric, he still has great influence.

After irritating Edison, Langmuir's life in the company would not be easy.

That's why he had the courage to invite Li Qiwei today.

Obviously, he failed.

But he is just a messenger. Anyway, if he answers truthfully, neither party will be offended.

"Okay, Professor Bruce, I will tell Mr. Edison."

Li Qiwei said: "Langmuir, concentrate on your own business and don't be disturbed by trivial matters."
< br>

Langmuir was very moved after hearing this, because Ridgway cared about his feelings.

On the contrary, Edison would only use him as a pawn.

Langmuir secretly made up his mind to invest more time in basic research.

Get ahead as soon as possible and get rid of others’ control over you.

After Langmuir left, Richardson smiled and said: "Bruce, you are so awesome, even the famous Edison invited you."

Li Qiwei smiled and said nothing.

Before he and Edison even met, their relationship had already reached a freezing point.

But this is the best. If he gets slapped in the face next, he won’t have any psychological burden.

Soon, Richardson took Li Qiwei to the physics department of Princeton University.

In an office, professors and teachers from the physics department are already waiting.

In the previous speech, there was no chance for them to interrupt.

Now is the moment for real academic exchange.

After simple polite greetings, Richardson introduced: "Bruce, this is Professor Carl, the dean of our physics department at Princeton University."

Carl seemed very enthusiastic and stepped forward to grab him. Li Qiwei held his hand and said with a smile: "Welcome, Professor Bruce."

"Please forgive me for not greeting you, because there are too many things."

Li Qiwei did not expect the other party to be so polite. He replied: "Professor Carl, don't worry too much, it's just a formality."

"Maybe Principal Woodrow doesn't want others to steal his limelight."

Li Qiwei’s humor made everyone laugh.

At this time, Karl suddenly pulled out a young man from behind. He looked to be only seventeen or eighteen years old, with a broad face, a straight nose, and bright eyes.

"Professor Bruce, please allow me to introduce you to my brother, Compton."

"He admires you very much. If I hadn't stopped this speech, Compton might have made some joke."

Karl's words made everyone laugh.

Li Qiwei was surprised. He did not expect to meet a future physics boss again.

The famous Compton.

Wilson’s good friend, the two won the Nobel Prize in Physics together.

If Wilson were standing here, he would definitely hold Compton's hand and say affectionately:

"Kangdi, grow up quickly. I'm waiting for you to take your brother and I will fly."< br>
In real history, Compton discovered the Compton effect by studying the scattering phenomenon of X-rays, during which a cloud chamber was used.

He then used Einstein's light quantum hypothesis to explain the effect.

This is also strong evidence that light is particle-like.

Since then, physicists have gradually accepted the wave-particle duality of light.

Of course, what Compton will prove in the future is Ridgway’s hypothesis.

"Hello, Compton." Ridgway extended his right hand.

Compton was so excited that he quickly held it with both hands. He was extremely excited to see Li Qiwei.

"Professor Bruce, I am so happy to see you."

"Your speech is really wonderful."

"I really hope to become an outstanding physicist like you one day."

Li Qiwei said with a smile: "Compton, I believe you."

"Perhaps your eldest brother's position may be passed to you in the future."

Everyone laughed.

During the subsequent chat with Compton, Ridgway learned that Compton was currently studying as an undergraduate at the College of Wooster in Ohio.

This is a private liberal arts college, and Compton’s major is philosophy.

Compton obviously likes physics, so why did he study philosophy?

Because his father is the philosophy professor and dean of Worcester College, everything goes naturally.

In real history, after Compton's eldest brother Carl became the chairman of the physics department at Princeton, Compton received a master's degree and a doctorate from Princeton.

Then in 1919, he went to England as a visiting scholar, working under the guidance of Thomson and Rutherford, studying the scattering of gamma rays.

Finally served as a professor of physics at the University of Chicago and participated in the later Manhattan Project.

An hour later, Li Qiwei left Princeton University in a car amid everyone’s farewells.

This day is destined to become the most colorful page in the history of Princeton University.

(End of this chapter)