1900: A physics genius wandering around Europe

Chapter 204 Choosing a University to Work For
As the only empire in the world on which the sun never sets, Britain is also far ahead in the field of education.

Moreover, the allocation of educational resources is relatively reasonable.

Currently, the country is composed of four parts: England, Scotland, Wales, and Ireland (part of which later became independent).

There are universities in these four places.

Universities in the UK are mainly divided into the following categories:
The first is the classical university, which refers to the universities established before the 17th century.

England: University of Oxford, University of Cambridge

Scotland: University of St Andrews, University of Glasgow, University of Aberdeen, University of Edinburgh
Wales: University of Wales (a consortium of universities and colleges)

Ireland: Trinity College Dublin
The second is the red brick university, which refers to the six universities founded in the six important industrial cities in England during the Victorian era.

These universities have all been granted Royal Charter by the United Kingdom.

They are: University of Birmingham, University of Leeds, Manchester Institute of Technology, University of Liverpool, University of Bristol and University of Sheffield.

When red brick universities were first established, they were all science or engineering universities. They had extremely close ties with the British Industrial Revolution and laid an important foundation for it.

Of course, other universities were established during this period, but they are not as famous, such as Bangor University and Queen's University Belfast.

The third is the University of London, which was founded in 1836 and is located in the British capital London. It is a university administrative system composed of several universities in London.

Like the University of Wales, it belongs to the "Federation of Public Universities".

In fact, it is somewhat similar to the model of Cambridge University. Although the colleges are independent of each other, students' degrees are awarded in the name of Cambridge University.

Similarly, after graduation, students from several universities under the University of London will also receive degree certificates in the name of the University of London.

It would take another hundred years before the country could gain the power to award degrees independently.

The current University of London includes five universities: University College London, King's College London, Imperial College London, London School of Economics and Political Science, and Goldsmiths, University of London.

In the future, this number will increase to 18 and also include some research institutes.

Among them, University College London and King's College London are the founding colleges of the University of London and are also very well-known in the UK.

The above are all the universities in the UK in 1909.

Although it doesn't seem like much, it cannot be compared with the hundreds or thousands of universities in later generations.

But universities look at quality, not quantity.

What is compared is the research results, not the number of papers published.

UK universities are independent, autonomous institutions.

Although their education funding is funded by the Higher Education Funding Council for England, they are not under the jurisdiction or control of any government department.

This was also the reason why the then Vice-President of Cambridge University, Cardwell, could ask for money with a clear conscience.

But later on, the British government began to extend its hand.

Li Qiwei is analyzing the advantages and disadvantages of these universities with the information given by Thompson and combining it with the knowledge from his previous life.

Some of these universities were too religious and were not suitable for his identity.

And he wants to take up the post in London this time.

As the capital of the United Kingdom, London gathers the most resources in the world today.

Here, it would also be more beneficial for him to increase his fame and accumulate power.

After this screening, the only option left is the University of London.

After thinking for a while, Li Qiwei had the answer in his mind.

He planned to go to London for a field trip and pay tribute to Lord Kelvin at the same time.

Lord Kelvin is buried in Westminster Abbey in London, next to Newton's tomb.
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On February 1909, 2, Ridgway arrived in London alone by train.

He first went to Westminster Abbey in the city center, also known as Westminster Abbey, located on the north bank of the Thames in London.

It is also the largest Gothic building in the world.

The remains of many great men are buried here.

Scientists include Newton, Darwin, and now Lord Kelvin.

In addition, there are many physicists who are buried elsewhere, but have monuments here.

For example: Faraday, Maxwell, Joule, Thomas Young, etc.

This church is one of the symbols of Britain.

Since William I, the coronation ceremonies of successive British kings have been held here.

Major ceremonies such as royal weddings and state funerals are also held here.

Therefore, being buried in Westminster Abbey after death is the highest honor.

After revealing his identity, Li Qiwei was granted the right to visit, but he also had to abide by certain rules and not make loud noises or paint anything at will.

He first came to Lord Kelvin's tablet, bowed respectfully, and then walked around.

In an inconspicuous corner, he found a stone tablet with an inscription on it:
When I was young, my imagination knew no bounds and I dreamed of changing the world.

When I reached middle age, I realized that I couldn't change the world, so I narrowed my goals a little and decided to just change my country.

As I grew into old age, I realized that I could not change my country. My last wish was just to change my family, but that seemed impossible either.

I was already lying in bed, and just as my life was about to end, I suddenly realized: If I had thought about changing myself from the beginning.

Then, by being a role model, I might do something important for the country.

As I serve my country, I may change the world through an unexpected act.

Li Qiwei pondered these words carefully, and finally curled his lips, thinking it was just so-so.

He had drunk countless chicken soups in later life and read many sentences more exquisite than the inscription on this stele, so it could not cause any fluctuations in his mood.

Li Qiwei felt that the big guys in the retard bar were the transcendent beings who had understood life.

So he walked away again.

In later times, there were rumors that Westminster Abbey was one of the secret meeting places of the Freemasons, but it was not known whether it was true or not. However, Li Qiwei did not care.

Now that he exists in this world, any so-called hidden bosses or hidden organizations will be nothing but scum.

No one can hide behind the scenes and dominate the world. He, Li Qiwei, has covered the sky of this blue planet.

After leaving Westminster Abbey, Li Qiwei went to the headquarters of Nature again.

He had not seen Lord Lockyer for some time.

I don’t know how Nature is developing now.

Half an hour later, he took the subway to the Nature headquarters and was warmly welcomed by Lockyer.

"Oh my god, Bruce you're finally back."

"Without you, the physics community seems to have lost its sun and become dim."

Li Qiwei smiled and said, "I'm afraid the magazine's sales are lackluster."

Lockyer laughed and pulled Li Qiwei inside. He had a lot to say to the other party.

After Mary made the tea, Li Qiwei tasted it and found that it was real tea this time.

Lockyer asked a lot of questions about Ridgway and finally talked about the current situation of Nature.

"Bruce, there haven't been any major breakthroughs in physics since you left Europe."

“There are only a few new achievements in the fields of X-rays and radioactivity, but they are not shocking enough.”

“It is far less shocking than quantum theory and relativity.”

"By the way, Bruce, when will your general theory of relativity be published?"

Ridgeway couldn't help but smile as he looked at Sir Lockyer's rapid-fire questions.

From the time he left until around 1910, there were actually no typical discoveries in physics.

Physicists are conducting research quietly, and it will take a few years for explosive results to emerge.

If nothing unexpected happens, there will be some major discoveries about radioactivity, X-rays and electrons.

The greatest achievement, of course, is general relativity and quantum mechanics.

However, Li Qiwei is still planning these things. He wants to wait for the most appropriate time and show off as much as possible.

"Lockyer, my Guang Xiang is still under study and will not publish a paper for the time being."

"What you said is a very common situation. Physics research is not like picking up shells on the beach. You can just pick them up casually."

Lockyer sighed: "Well, of course I know this situation is normal."

"It's just that this will affect the sales of the magazine."

“Although more and more people are submitting to Nature, fewer people are reading it.”

"Everyone wants disruptive results. No one likes patchwork stuff."

"I think the readers have been spoiled by your previous achievements."

“No one cares about ordinary physics research anymore.”

Li Qiwei smiled and said, "Is it my fault?"

"Don't worry. According to my speculation, physics will have a great leap forward in the future."

“By then, Nature magazine will surely reach a higher level.”

Lockyer was stunned and overjoyed, "Bruce, are you telling the truth?"

"Didn't you just waste your time in the past six years since you returned to China, but instead worked hard in secret and amazed everyone?"

"I told you so. Although the ancient Eastern Empire was backward in science, metaphysics was prevalent. Maybe you have realized the state of harmony between man and nature."

"Then I was able to draw inferences from one instance to another and instantly comprehend the principles of physics."

Li Qiwei: ???

Seeing Li Qiwei's confused expression, Lockyer smiled and said, "Well, I know your country's culture very well."

"I've been studying Chinese culture lately, so I can better prepare Nature for the Chinese market."

"I can only work for a few more years to pave the way for those who come after me."

In real history, Lockyer retired in 1918 and his chosen successor was his assistant Gregory.

Ridgway then talked with Lockyer about the future development of Nature.

Finally, he told the other party the purpose of his trip to London.

"I am returning to the UK this time to prepare for long-term development."

"I am currently looking for a university to work at. I have my eye on King's College London and I am here to inspect it today."

That’s right, the school that Li Qiwei finally chose to work for was King’s College London.

Lockyer laughed and said, "Oh, Bruce, why didn't you tell me earlier? I have a top student from King's College London here."

"He was formerly the editor of Nature and is currently my assistant. His name is Gregory."

"The young man admires you very much. He has read each of your papers dozens of times."

"It would save you a lot of effort to ask him to take you to visit King's College London."

Having said that, Lockyer asked Mary to call Gregory in.

He has a typical British look and is just 30 years old, which means he is in the prime of life.

Gregory was excited to see his idol.

Li Qiwei smiled and shook hands with him to express his gratitude.

Finally, the two said goodbye to Lockyer together and went to King's College London.

(End of this chapter)