1900: A physics genius wandering around Europe

Chapter 442: Huaxia International Students Exchange Meeting! Academics and Industry! Li Qiwei wants to study stockings?
Ridgway's speech at Columbia University once again shocked the scientific community.

Although the content of this speech does not seem as high-end as the German speech.

However, the glass issue still brought great shock to countless people.

It makes many ordinary scholars understand that if their own strength is insufficient, they don't have to force themselves to study advanced theories such as quantum theory and relativity.

There are many unsolved mysteries in this world.

They need to use those pillar theories as a framework to create new theories.

The difficulty of these theories is relatively small.

For example, after Ridgwell proposed the microcrystal theory, the relevant materials science community quickly followed suit and put forward various theories.

Materials science is a discipline that is extremely dependent on national strength, and its basic research requires a large number of experiments.

Therefore, Li Qiwei will not enter this field for the time being.

The factories he built in Borneo produced and researched various mature materials.

At present, there is no need for China to waste time on so-called new materials.

Of course, if it is something that comes easily, Li Qiwei doesn't mind making it.

For example, in many time-travel novels, the protagonist's first pot of money comes from nylon stockings.

In real history, this polymer material was only developed in 1935, and the stockings made from it are world-famous.

Of course, the value of nylon is not just stockings.

It plays an irreplaceable role in other important fields such as the military.

The birth of nylon marks a major breakthrough for mankind in the artificial synthetic fiber industry.

However, it seems a bit strange that Professor Bruce, the world's top scientist and the most powerful person in the world, is actually studying stockings.

"Forget it. When the time comes, we can find a good chemistry talent in China and let him do the research."

At this moment, Li Qiwei was attending the Chinese Students Association in the United States accompanied by Wu Youxun.

The social gathering was held at the hotel where Li Qiwei was staying.

The free format of the buffet allows many students to communicate freely and increase their feelings for each other.

At the table in the front, Li Qiwei sat with several students.

Wu Youxun introduced everyone one by one.

"Principal, you just met Yu Qingsong."

At this moment, Yu Qingsong stood up immediately, and was so nervous that he could hardly speak.

The excitement I felt at the venue before has now been magnified countless times.

Only when he was in close contact with Professor Li could he feel the terrifying pressure.

Li Qiwei smiled and said:
"Don't be nervous, Qingsong, sit down and talk."

"On this occasion today, everyone should not be restrained or polite."

“In the field of academic research, we are all equal.”

"It's just that people learn things in different times and specialize in different fields."

After hearing this, many students were moved.

They were deeply impressed by Professor Li's personal charm.

The other party is obviously in such a high position, yet he is so approachable.

Let them feel the deep care from their elders.

Then, Li Qiwei said to Yu Qingsong:
"I heard President Gao Lu talk about you."

"He takes you very seriously."

"Our current astronomy research in China is too weak."

"Young talents and fresh blood like you are greatly needed."

"I hope you will study diligently and live up to everyone's expectations of you."

Yu Qingsong had a firm expression and nodded heavily.

"Professor, I will."

Li Qiwei said:
"This time, we in China did not send anyone to the great astronomy debate in the United States."

"I'm not afraid of you laughing at me, the reason is that President Gao Lu wants to save money."

Everyone smiled knowingly.

"He felt that this kind of debate was not a true academic discussion and that coming here just for this purpose was meaningless."

"But Qingsong, you have to organize all the content of the debate and send it to President Gao for research and reference."

Yu Qingsong nodded in agreement.

Then, Wu Youxun introduced another person.

"This is Hou Debang."

"Brother Hou and I both graduated from Huangpu University of Technology."

"Brother Hou is currently studying for a PhD in chemistry at Columbia University."

Hou Debang, 30 years old this year, is considered the oldest among the many international students present.

In real history, Hou Debang first studied chemistry at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology in the United States, and then went to Columbia University.

And next year, he will graduate with a doctorate and return to China to serve as the technical director of Yongli Alkali Manufacturing Company.

Yongli Alkali Manufacturing Company was established in 1917. It is the earliest alkali manufacturing plant in China and pioneered China's chemical industry.

At that time, alkali production technology was monopolized and blocked by foreign countries, and the market was dominated by European and American products.

Through various connections, Wynn Company spent a large amount of money to purchase a brief introduction to the "Solvay Process".

Relying on this information, Hou Debang led his employees to restore the method after long-term efforts.

The successful Hou Debang did not choose to continue blocking patents like Sowell did.

He chose to make this secret public so that people all over the world could share it.

This move won him countless praises and fame.

After that, Hou Debang never stopped moving forward and he devoted his entire life to the alkali industry.

Eventually, he created the Hou process, which was even better than the Solvay process and became famous throughout the world.

This is Hou Debang’s legendary life, which was not easy to achieve in that era.

His fate is deeply tied to China's chemical industry.

He is the founder of China's modern chemical industry.

However, in this life, due to the existence of Li Qiwei, his learning trajectory has changed slightly.

Like Wu Youxun, Hou Debang also called Li Qiwei the principal.

At this moment, he was very excited.

"Principal, I finally have the chance to meet you today."

Li Qiwei smiled and said:
"Student Debang, I've heard of you a long time ago."

"A few years ago, Yujie told me that he had discovered a promising chemistry talent."

"Unfortunately, you returned home after I returned to Borneo."

“I didn’t expect you to come to the United States to pursue a doctorate.”

Although Whampoa Polytechnic University is in Borneo, many students from China will apply for admission.

After they graduate, most of them will return to their home country.

Only those who are interested in pure academic research will choose to stay and continue their studies.

After all, there are the best laboratories and master's and doctoral supervisors in China.

Hou Debang's ambition is obviously not purely academic.

He scratched his head a little embarrassedly and did not explain his mental journey.

Because he knew that none of that mattered to the principal in front of him.

All students graduating from Whampoa Polytechnic University always have only one goal: to serve China!

As for whether it is in Borneo, in China, or studying abroad, these are just means.

Hou Debang said firmly:

"I will never forget the kindness that Principal He has shown me."

"A few years after I graduated, I traveled to major cities in China and researched and learned about the country's chemical industry."

"General Manager Hu of Shanhe Group told me that what China lacks most now is a variety of mature chemical processes." "He hopes that I can work harder in this area."

“So, I chose to study in the United States.”

Li Qiwei nodded with relief.

"Very good, Debang."

“You have a clear understanding of yourself.”

“I study theoretical physics.”

"But I never suggest that other people should study physics like I did."

"As a country as big as ours, we need a lot of outstanding talents in any field."

"Chinese science nowadays should walk on two legs."

“Academia and industry are inseparable.”

"With only academia but no industry, the country's strength cannot be improved."

"If there is only industry but no academics, the country's development will face bottlenecks."

"Therefore, you should choose your future direction based on your areas of expertise, your personality and other factors."

“There is a lot to be done in the future!”

Li Qiwei's few words made Hou Debang and others feel like they were injected with chicken blood.

A vast and brilliant blueprint for the development of Chinese science slowly unfolds before them.

Everyone will shed their sweat and leave their personal mark on the blueprint.

They will witness the growth and strength of the country.

Suddenly, Li Qiwei felt that he had found his favorite stockings.

So, he asked again:
"Debang, have you made any plans after you return home?"

Hou Debang said:
"The general manager of Yongli Alkali Company, Mr. Fan Xudong, wants to invite me to be the technical director of their company."

"I have promised him that I will return to China immediately after I graduate with my Ph.D. next year."

Li Qiwei nodded.

"If necessary, I can arrange for you to visit Solvay."

"They have rich experience in alkali production, so you don't have to figure it out on your own."

Wow!
Hou Debang was extremely shocked when he heard this.

Before coming to the United States, he had a deep understanding of the global chemical industry.

Naturally, we know the position of Belgium's Solvay in the alkali industry.

That is an absolute monopoly.

Fan Xudong hoped that he could imitate the Solvay process of alkali production.

As long as they can learn 40% to 50%, it will be enough for Yongli Company to become the leader in China's alkali production and no longer be strangled by Western sanctions.

And now, he actually has the opportunity to visit Solvay in person.

This is a great joy for Hou Debang.

After all, studying written materials and conducting field research are two completely different things.

For this kind of heavy chemical industry, instruments and equipment are the key.

"Principal, is this really possible? I hope it won't be too much trouble for you?"

Li Qiwei waved his hand and said domineeringly:

"a piece of cake."

"Solvay and I are old acquaintances."

"He's hoping that I'll be interested in his stuff."

"The alkali patent that Solvay relies on is just that, in my opinion."

"I believe that even if it is you, Debang, you will definitely surpass the other party in the future and invent a better method for making alkali."

There was one more thing Li Qiwei didn't say: You can invent better stockings.

Hou Debang's face turned red when he was praised by Li Qiwei, and his heart was pounding.

There is a heroic sentiment that a man will die for his confidant.

He didn't expect the principal to think so highly of him.

At this moment, the word failure no longer existed in Hou Debang's dictionary.

Even if it costs him his own life, he would not let everyone down.

After Yu Qingsong and Hou Debang's opening performance, the atmosphere gradually became heated.

Wu Youxun then introduced other people to Li Qiwei.

The majors of these international students vary, but almost all of them are in fields that are in urgent need in China.

Some of them left their names in history, while others remained unknown.

However, this does not affect their contributions to China.

Compared with later generations, international students of this era have a special temperament.

Their fate is closely linked to the fate of the country.

Their study is no longer pure study, but carries with it the great ideal of changing the country.

Next, Li Qiwei shook hands with every student present.

These young people danced with joy just by saying their names in front of him.

Amid the cheers of the crowd, Li Qiwei walked to the front and delivered his speech.

"Since the late Qing Dynasty, China has had hundreds of Jinshi and Hanlin scholars."

"But in my eyes, they are just people who are trying to show off and learn for profit."

"This is why our country has been weak for a long time and why our people are either stupid or flattering."

"China and the United States have similar geographical situations, but why are our national strengths so different?"

“I think you students studying in the United States should have the answer in your hearts.”

“That’s science!”

"In this day and age, the strength of a country is almost directly proportional to its scientific prowess."

“What is the scientific spirit? It is the pursuit of truth.”

“Science is definitely not the accumulation of natural knowledge, but the method and form of extracting it.”

"You are all the proud children of the country. You don't need me to teach you how to study."

"Reason, logic, empiricism, criticism, inquiry, etc., these precious human qualities are what you should focus on learning."

“I hope that when you return home, these scientific spirits will settle in you.”

“You are a lucky generation because the future of the country lies in your hands.”

"You will use your knowledge to make this country a better place."

“But at the same time, you are also an unfortunate generation, because your scientific path is destined to be accompanied by patriotism.”

"You are destined to have no chance of living a scientific research life where you can leisurely enjoy the view of the southern mountains while picking chrysanthemums under the eastern fence."

"But no matter what, I hope you can remember one thing."

“Although the rise of China is not the ultimate goal of science, it is definitely the foundation for the existence of science.”

"In this world surrounded by wolves, only when the country is strong can we do scientific research with peace of mind."

“So, you are not only studying for science, but also for the country.”

"Gentlemen, let us encourage each other!"

Wow!
Thunderous applause resounded through the sky.

From then on, the Chinese overseas student group developed their own spiritual foundation.

Li Qiwei looked at these young and passionate faces, and his heart was deeply moved and emotional.

It is because of them that China is always full of hope.

They will not be like the international students of later generations, most of whom end up becoming "international" students.

“I’m an international student at Cambridge.”

"But I am more Chinese Li Qiwei!"

(End of this chapter)