In what chapter do Mehra and Rechenberg discuss Pauli matrices?

Click For Summary
SUMMARY

Mehra and Rechenberg discuss Pauli matrices in Volume 6.1, starting on page 280 of their comprehensive series. Despite the significance of the topic, the authors provide limited coverage, focusing instead on the development of Pauli's ideas without directly addressing the matrices themselves. Additionally, the Stern-Gerlach experiment is referenced in various locations throughout the series, with a complete subject index available only in Volume 6.2. Readers express a need for improved formatting and visual aids to enhance understanding of these complex subjects.

PREREQUISITES
  • Familiarity with quantum mechanics concepts
  • Understanding of the historical context of quantum theory
  • Knowledge of the structure and content of Mehra and Rechenberg's series
  • Basic comprehension of the Stern-Gerlach experiment
NEXT STEPS
  • Review Mehra and Rechenberg Volume 6.1 for detailed discussions on Pauli matrices
  • Examine the subject index in Volume 6.2 for references to the Stern-Gerlach experiment
  • Research the historical significance of Pauli matrices in quantum mechanics
  • Explore resources that provide visual aids for complex quantum mechanics topics
USEFUL FOR

This discussion is beneficial for physicists, historians of science, and students of quantum mechanics seeking in-depth knowledge of Pauli matrices and their historical context within Mehra and Rechenberg's work.

Frigorifico9
Messages
21
Reaction score
9
TL;DR
I have read the first three volumes and despite talking about Pauli A LOT they don't mention Pauli matrices
I am very interested in how Pauli found the Pauli matrices, so I read his original paper, but it didn't give me the perspective I wanted, so I went to Mehra and Rechenberg, but here's the thing, after reading Volumes 1, 2 and most of volume 3, I can't find any mention of Pauli matrices anywhere

They describe how Pauli gets closer and closer to the idea, but they never actually talk about it. It's like intellectual edging

Please, if someone else has read these books, just help me find where this is discussed, I really want to know
 
  • Like
Likes   Reactions: dextercioby
Physics news on Phys.org
It's in vol. 6.1 starting on page 280.
 
  • Like
Likes   Reactions: dextercioby and Demystifier
Frigorifico9 said:
Mehra and Rechenberg
That book series is a monster. :bow:
 
  • Like
Likes   Reactions: vanhees71
vanhees71 said:
It's in vol. 6.1 starting on page 280.
Thank you so much. For something so important, they talk about it remarkably little. I have also not found a single mention of the Stern-Gerlach experiment. Do you happen to know when they cover that?
 
Demystifier said:
That book series is a monster. :bow:
It needs diagrams, photos, graphs, and better formatting
 
Frigorifico9 said:
Thank you so much. For something so important, they talk about it remarkably little. I have also not found a single mention of the Stern-Gerlach experiment. Do you happen to know when they cover that?
They have a Subject Index for all volumes in the last volume, 6.2. The SGE is mentioned at several places.
 
Frigorifico9 said:
It needs diagrams, photos, graphs, and better formatting
Well, it's not a pop-sci book but an amazing work of history of science. The only thing I hate is that they have only a subject index for all 6 volumes (some with subvolumes) at the very end. To find something is this huge work is not easy, which is a pity.
 
  • Like
Likes   Reactions: Demystifier

Similar threads

  • · Replies 7 ·
Replies
7
Views
2K
  • · Replies 5 ·
Replies
5
Views
4K
  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
2K
  • · Replies 101 ·
4
Replies
101
Views
15K
Replies
12
Views
3K
  • · Replies 3 ·
Replies
3
Views
3K
  • · Replies 3 ·
Replies
3
Views
5K
  • · Replies 16 ·
Replies
16
Views
23K
  • · Replies 7 ·
Replies
7
Views
3K
  • · Replies 3 ·
Replies
3
Views
5K