- #51
quickrp
- 1
- 0
.
It's funny where the study of history might take one.
My interest in the history of physics began in 2009 when I read The Making of the Atomic Bomb by Richard Rhodes. I purchased it because I study military history. My period of interest is generally between the Elizabethan era and the Vietnam War.
I quickly became absorbed by the scientific content of the book, and my military interest was subordinated to the story of the birth of quantum theory.
I was fascinated by Rhode's detailed narrative of post-Newtonian science, and he made the development of quantum physics understandable to me. I was not a good math and chemistry student, yet I was able to follow the incredible path between JJ Thompson's discovery of the electron and the first nuclear reactors and weapons, a period that spanned just 65 years.
Since my reading of Rhode's Pulitzer Prize winning effort, I have worked on expanding my knowledge of physics by reading other books whose basis is a historical study of the topic. That's much easier than a textbook study of the subject, in which I would become totally lost.
I might try to work on my math and chemistry weaknesses by taking courses at my county community college. My interest in history has turned into pursuing an entirely different path.
It's funny where the study of history might take one.
My interest in the history of physics began in 2009 when I read The Making of the Atomic Bomb by Richard Rhodes. I purchased it because I study military history. My period of interest is generally between the Elizabethan era and the Vietnam War.
I quickly became absorbed by the scientific content of the book, and my military interest was subordinated to the story of the birth of quantum theory.
I was fascinated by Rhode's detailed narrative of post-Newtonian science, and he made the development of quantum physics understandable to me. I was not a good math and chemistry student, yet I was able to follow the incredible path between JJ Thompson's discovery of the electron and the first nuclear reactors and weapons, a period that spanned just 65 years.
Since my reading of Rhode's Pulitzer Prize winning effort, I have worked on expanding my knowledge of physics by reading other books whose basis is a historical study of the topic. That's much easier than a textbook study of the subject, in which I would become totally lost.
I might try to work on my math and chemistry weaknesses by taking courses at my county community college. My interest in history has turned into pursuing an entirely different path.
