1900: A physics genius wandering around Europe

Chapter 351 Bruce, the man of destiny! Starlight bending Guang Xiangming! The first prophecy breakthrough!

With the publication of "A Letter to Scientists Around the World", Li Qiwei once again demonstrated his influence in the field of science.

The German Academy of Sciences, headed by Planck and Roentgen, negotiated with senior German government officials the day after the article was published.

The military also sent bigwigs to participate.

Although Eddington's story itself was a small matter, the significance it represented was extraordinary.

If one fails to make things better, he might offend scientists all over the world.

This is a consequence that no country can afford.

Although Germany is reckless, it is not stupid. There is no need to lose the big picture for the sake of small gains. It should negotiate when necessary.

Moreover, in his article, Li Qiwei did not judge any country and he always maintained a neutral attitude.

He even approved of scientists' participation in war.

This has allowed countless people to see a true gentleman who is open and honest.

Rather than being a pedantic person who only talks big and is completely unrealistic.

Governments will not object to this.

However, Li Qiwei's statement: If I want to, I can destroy the whole world, was still ridiculed by many military leaders.

"Hahaha, Professor Bruce Lee is such a boaster."

"With his frail little body, any one of my soldiers can beat ten of him."

"Well, it's normal for a great scientist to have a bit of temper."

"He is trying to intimidate us soldiers."

The big guys even have the leisure to complain.

Because in the early days of World War I, no one expected it to evolve into a world-class war.

In the end, the real anger gradually came out and neither side could stop.

Military leaders believed that Li Qiwei said this just to increase the influence of scientists.

The fundamental purpose is to give preferential treatment to scientists.

No one believed that he could really become the devil who destroys the world.

Because the most powerful thing now is dynamite. Even if you can increase the equivalent, how much can you increase?

As for the future that Li Qiwei mentioned, the bosses didn't care even more, because no one could guarantee what would happen in the future.

Planck and others' negotiations with the government and the military lasted for two hours.

Finally, Germany agreed to release Eddington and his crew.

However, all captured people are required to fill out a neutrality guarantee.

If it is discovered later that the other party has participated in the war, the German government will reserve all rights to pursue accountability and strongly condemn it.

Eddington and others had no objection to this point.

Because they are studying astronomy, they are not needed even if we are developing weapons.

So, Eddington and others wrote a letter of guarantee in the prisoner camp.

Chadwick was sent directly back home.

Germany sent another team of soldiers to escort Eddington and others to the border between Germany and Russia.

He will cross the vast territory of Russia and reach the Crimea region before the total solar eclipse.

Britain and Russia were in the same camp, so Eddington could move freely without worrying about being caught as a spy.

The Eddington incident caused a great stir internationally.

First, Li Qiwei published a public article expressing scientists' views on the war.

Soon after, scientists from all over the world published public articles, arguing that scientists have the right to choose to remain neutral.

Then, German scientists such as Planck, out of respect for the truth, asked the government to release Eddington.

Planck's brilliant behavior was also praised by countless peers.

“He was a great wise man.”

“As expected of Professor Bruce’s teacher, Professor Planck has demonstrated his sense of responsibility as a physicist of the older generation.”

"Even though Professor Planck and I belong to different camps, this does not affect my respect for his character."

"Let war be war, and let science be science."

Although Eddington successfully escaped from the predicament, it cost him countless favors and relationships.

Not everyone is as lucky as him to get help from Bruce, the first scientist.

If it were an ordinary scientist, the situation would be completely different.

This is not to say that Bruce or Plank are biased, but this itself is a very risky thing.

Ridgway was familiar with Eddington, so he was willing to do so.

If it was someone he wasn't familiar with, and if he turned out to be a spy, Li Qiwei's reputation would suffer a devastating blow.

Therefore, governments around the world have publicly reminded all scientists not to leave the country unless necessary.

Now is a time of war. Although scientists are valuable, they cannot break the rules.

Guns have no eyes.

All scientists saw a hint of sadness and the cruelty of war.

Without communication, there would be no scientific development.

Although the war led to the development of various new equipment, it did not promote science itself.

Such a comparison.

Eddington's behavior made everyone admire him.

Despite such difficult conditions and even life-threatening danger, he still did not forget his original intention and traveled through mountains and rivers to verify the theory of general relativity.

Planck and Roentgen sat opposite each other at the University of Berlin.

Plank sighed, "This may be the only time Bruce asks for anything."

"He has such a proud personality that he definitely doesn't want to pin his fate on others."

"Now I understand why he worked so hard to build the City of Science."

"Only when we unite together can we unleash infinite power."

“The voice of scientists on the world stage is still too weak.”

Roentgen took a puff of his cigarette, his eyes deep, and he retorted:

"I think Bruce's article has a hidden meaning."

"To be honest, scientists are also human beings, and as human beings, they cannot escape social relations."

“Although scientists can choose to remain neutral, what should they do when the nation’s survival is at stake and the country is in crisis?”

"I think even the most neutral scientists cannot just sit there and watch."

"Of course no one likes war, but sometimes it is unavoidable."

"Bruce once said a joke."

“He said: History is an upward spiral. Scientists are responsible for the upward movement, and politicians are responsible for the spiral.”

"Although it's a joke, fundamentally speaking, the goals of scientists and politicians are indeed different."

"Even if Bruce calls for peace again, I don't think it will have much power in the face of national justice."

"The ultimate task for scientists should be to focus on the ascending part."

"Our responsibility is to explore the end of science and what additional technologies will be produced in the process and what impact these technologies will have on the world."

“I don’t think this is something scientists should be concerned about.”

"If the country needs him, he can make guns and cannons. If the country doesn't need him, he can do his own research."

"There are no saints in this world. Even Bruce shouldn't take all the responsibility on himself."

Planck remained silent for a long time after hearing this.

Roentgen is indeed a senior, and his analysis is very profound.

War, country, sentiment, science, etc.

There is no way to explain these things.

This is not a simple division between right and wrong, nor is it an opposition between justice and evil, but a philosophical dilemma involving the destiny of mankind.

If you look at it from different perspectives, you will come to different conclusions.

From a personal perspective, scientists can do whatever they want.

From a national perspective, scientists should support their motherland. Although science has no borders, scientists have a motherland.

From the perspective of the entire world, scientists should strive for the sake of all mankind, explore the ultimate mysteries of the universe, and give mankind unlimited possibilities.

But when these angles conflict with each other, how do we choose?

Planck murmured towards the east:
"Bruce, you must have been very troubled when you were writing the article."

"You are now the number one in the scientific community, and your every word and action is a role model for countless people."

“I hope Eddington’s experiment will be successful.”

"As long as you prove that general relativity is correct, more people will agree with your point of view."

"War should give way to truth."
-
Eddington certainly knew that his task was arduous.

If his experiment could fail at the beginning, then after this incident, it must succeed no matter what.

Otherwise, it would be a waste of Professor Bruce’s hard work.

Eddington held his anger, and he led the experimental team members to move forward day and night without fear of danger.

Rampant mosquitoes, heavy rains, mountains and rivers could not stop them.

Finally, on August 1914, 8, everyone arrived in the Crimea region and found the best observation point.

For a moment, everyone was exhausted and fell to the ground, but they had happy smiles on their faces.

This experience will become the most unforgettable thing in their lives and will even be recorded in history.

One of the young team members asked his companion:

“What if the measured deflection value has a large error with the prediction of general relativity?”

The companion replied: "Then Professor Eddington will definitely go crazy, and neither of us will be able to graduate."

The two looked at each other and smiled.

The goal of this observation mission is simple to say.

That is to record the position of distant stars relative to the sun.

When light passes near the sun, it will be deflected, and the observed position of the stars will change.

The data for non-total solar eclipse conditions are already available, so we just need to measure the data for a smaller total solar eclipse and compare and calculate the difference.

According to theoretical calculations of general relativity, this deflection value is 1.75 arc seconds.

Therefore, as long as the data measured by the two observation groups are equal to 1.75 arc seconds, it means that the experiment is successful.

They can accomplish the great feat of proving the general theory of relativity!
As the leader of the team, Eddington would never show it no matter how hard or tired he was.

After the team rested for more than an hour, he stood up, went to the stream nearby, and washed his face with cool water to keep himself awake.

Eddington didn't care at all about his dirty and torn suit and his messy and greasy hair.

He was full of enthusiasm and directed everyone in an orderly manner.

"All units, according to the original plan, begin setting up telescopes and adjusting observation angles."

"Check once more whether all instruments are in good condition and whether there is enough film in the camera."

"This battle must be won!"

Eddington raised his right hand to cheer everyone up.

"Victory!" Everyone was excited.

They were about to make history.

However, according to Murphy's Law, the more you fear something, the more likely it will come to you.

On the morning of September 1914, 8.

There was only half an hour left until the total solar eclipse began, but the sky was already covered with dark clouds.

Not to mention observing a total solar eclipse, people couldn't even see a bird.

Observation activities could not be carried out at all.

All members of the entire team suddenly looked as pale as death, and everyone's heart fell to the bottom.

We've traveled thousands of miles, risked our lives, and gone through so much hardship, and is this the outcome?
At this moment, even the most optimistic person would collapse.

This kind of blow is not something an ordinary person can bear.

Some people have even started packing up and preparing to go home.

At this moment, everyone looked forward reluctantly.

A man stood there alone. He stood straight in front of the telescope, looking up at the dark clouds in the sky for 20 minutes.

No one knows what he feels inside.

But the aura he exuded filled the air with a deep sense of pressure.

The team member who asked the question yesterday was about to step forward when he was stopped by his teammates, who signaled him with their eyes not to be impulsive.

The best response right now is to say nothing and do nothing.

The observation team speculated that Professor Eddington might be on the verge of collapse.

Any stimulation would drive him completely crazy.

However, it was different from what everyone expected.

At this moment, Eddington was not as discouraged, desperate and lost as one might imagine.

He was holding back a rage in his heart.

"Because of Professor Bruce, I have been studying Chinese culture."

“I want to know what kind of environment can produce a great man like Bruce.”

“His appearance was like he was born for the truth.”

"Finally, I found the answer in the Chinese classics."

"That's destiny."

"Professor Bruce came here with destiny. He is the man of destiny."

“He wants to unveil the ultimate veil of physics and get a glimpse of the full picture of truth.”

"Since Professor Bruce is the man of destiny, then at this moment, I, Eddington, am fighting for destiny."

Suddenly, Eddington's heart felt like mountains and rivers roaring and stars exploding.

His soul was shouting, roaring, and bursting out with infinite power.

"In the name of Destiny Bruce."

"Let these dark clouds dissipate!"

boom!
It was as if a myth had come into reality, just as words had come true.

The dark clouds in the sky suddenly began to retreat, and a ray of golden sunlight shone down.

Eddington seemed to see a domineering figure in the sky, behind the sun.

The golden sunlight is the smile of that figure.

“This is really destiny!”

There were tears glistening in the corners of his eyes.

The members of the observation team behind Eddington had no idea of ​​the turbulent psychological journey he was going through.

The sky suddenly cleared up, making everyone cry with joy and coming back to their senses from their previous despair and sadness.

“God, are you blessing us?”

"Great, the experiment can proceed normally."

"Our efforts are not in vain!"

Just when everyone thought that Professor Eddington would be equally happy, he said calmly without even turning his head:

"Everyone take your positions and begin recording the total solar eclipse."

Wow!
At this moment, everyone was impressed by Eddington's style.

The Alps are collapsing in front of you but you remain calm!

However, only Eddington knew that this miracle was due to that man.

Soon, he put aside all distractions and devoted himself to the experiment.

Eddington hardly looked at the sky again, he kept changing the film.

All team members performed their duties, holding their breath, and were extremely excited.

Soon, the observation experiment ended.

Eddington and his team took a total of 16 photos, as did the other group.

After intense calculations, Eddington's group calculated the deflection value to be 1.61 arc seconds, while the other group calculated the deflection value to be 1.98 arc seconds.

After subtracting the error, both sets of data are close to the theoretical value of 1.75 arc seconds.

This proves that general relativity is correct.

At this moment, Eddington finally broke down.

He shouted, "Professor Bruce's theory is correct!"

boom!
Everyone went crazy!

At this moment, all the suffering they had endured before was not worth mentioning.

Everyone hugged each other and cried, releasing their inner joy.

Eddington looked at the sun that was shining again, and felt extremely proud.
-
After the experiment, Eddington and others went from Russia to Sweden, then took a boat across the North Sea and finally returned to Britain.

On September 1914, 9, the Royal Society and the Royal Astronomical Society held a joint meeting in London.

Although the shadow of war loomed overhead, it did not affect the enthusiasm of physicists and astronomers.

At this meeting, Eddington gave a report on his observations and calculations of the total solar eclipse.

In front of so many bigwigs, Eddington was not at all nervous and was full of energy and confidence.

His experience and his results won applause from everyone present.

After listening to the report, Crookes, President of the Royal Society, stepped forward.

Behind him, on the background wall of the conference room, a huge portrait of Newton was looking at everyone, as if smiling.

Crooks officially announced:

"General relativity has been experimentally verified to be correct."

"Bruce Lee's scientific thought is the highest achievement of this era."

boom!
The audience burst into applause.

During the war, Eddington overcame all difficulties and verified the theory of general relativity.

This move adds a touch of humanity to the whole world.

Life is not only about wealth, power and war, but also about the stars, the sea and the universe.

Major newspapers rushed to report this exciting news.

The Times immediately published an editorial entitled "The Fabric of the Universe".

It reads:

“Scientific ideas about the structure of the universe must shift.”

"The most authoritative experts have confirmed that facts that have been indisputable for hundreds of years have now been overturned by strong evidence."

“We need a new philosophy of the universe.”

"General relativity is undoubtedly the most appropriate choice."

In addition, the Royal Society of the United Kingdom published a statement:

"The most fascinating thing about Professor Eddington's story is not the process of observing the total solar eclipse, but something else."

"Newton is a great scientist regarded as a national treasure by the British. His position in physics is unshakable."

"And now, a group of British scientists have overcome all kinds of difficulties, even the danger of war, to verify that the theories of their own scientists are wrong."

"From this perspective, this total solar eclipse experiment is great."

"Congratulations to Professor Eddington, congratulations to Professor Bruce."

"This is another milestone in the history of physics."

boom!
A global sensation!

The entire physics community was in an uproar.

Countless people spread the news.

Although everyone believes in Bruce, experimental proof is the core of physics.

This time, Professor Bruce did not disappoint everyone, he was right again.

It’s just the same as the original concept of quantum.

All of Ridgway's colleagues in physics were happy for him.

Chadwick complained to Rutherford: "I wish I had followed Professor Eddington."

Rutherford laughed and said, "Don't run around, kid. If you get caught again, I won't be able to save you."

Then he sighed again:
"This is really the best news I've heard in a while."

"I study submarines and I almost forget what pure academics are like."

Germany, a chemical arsenal.

The current factory director, Haber, is inspecting the operation of the equipment in the factory.

This arsenal needs to provide a variety of chemical raw materials and finished products to the front-line troops, and it operates at high capacity every day.

When Hubble learned the news that general relativity had been proven, he looked dazed.

Some time ago, the head of the military came to find him.

"Professor Harber, we need you to develop a new type of weapon."

"This is weapon-related material."

“The country is in crisis and needs scientists like you to step forward.”

Harber gladly accepted the order.

Even his idol, Professor Bruce, made a public statement, acknowledging that scientists should fight for their country.

However, the moment he saw the content of the information, he hesitated.

Because the weapon described above is clearly poison gas.

According to the description, Haber needed to develop a process for producing poisonous gases such as chlorine and mustard gas.

As a big shot in the field of chemistry, Haber certainly knew the power of these poison gases.

He couldn't get over that inner barrier.

But this is the request of the motherland.

Harber was caught in a dilemma.

Today, when he saw the proof of general relativity, he was deeply moved.

Once upon a time, Haber had done something similarly sensational.

That is to invent artificial ammonia and completely free mankind from natural nitrogen fertilizer.

This achievement made Hubble a legend in the scientific community.

At that time, he was full of energy and was a leading figure in the field of chemistry, admired by countless people.

Yet now, Harber muttered to himself.

"What on earth am I doing?"
-
Borneo, coast.

Li Qiwei took his disciples for a walk and talked, and took the opportunity to see the construction progress of the City of Science.

Behind him, Master Qian Wu, He Yujie and others looked excited.

"The principal's theory of general relativity has finally been proven."

"I feel that the theory of relativity may win the Nobel Prize next year."

"I don't think it will happen that fast. The theory of relativity is too rich in content, and the first prediction is only a tiny part of it."

"."

At this time, He Yujie suddenly asked: "President, if the general theory of relativity is proven to be wrong, what will you do?"

Li Qiwei looked at the sea in front of him and smiled:
"Then I can only feel sorry for God, because I must be right."

Wow!
Everyone was shocked and convinced.

The principal's way of showing off has reached perfection.

Li Qiwei walked ahead alone and whispered:
"My concern now is not about relativity, but about the responsibility of scientists."

“The Eddington incident made me start thinking about this aspect.”

Master Qian Wu asked, "Didn't you publish a letter to scientists around the world?"

Li Qiwei smiled lightly.

"That's not enough."

“What can be spread most widely is not articles, but novels.”

(End of this chapter)