1900: A physics genius wandering around Europe

Chapter 83: Nobel Prize is coming, and the storm is coming

On September 1901, 9, two top academic journals in the field of physics, Nature and Science, published articles almost simultaneously.

A major news was announced: the Nobel Prize, the world's first natural science award, will announce the winners in mid-October.

The article provides detailed information about the award, of course downplaying the Peace Prize and Literature Prize.

A few days later, the news caused an 18-magnitude earthquake in the physics community. Everyone was shocked and then became excited.

Countless physicists are eagerly waiting, hoping that they will be lucky enough to win the prize.

Regarding the early Nobel Prize, many people in later generations have a misunderstanding that it has no influence in the physics community, let alone going beyond the circle.

But the reality is not like this. If we analyze it from the following aspects, we will find that the Nobel Prize was still shocking at that time.

First, Nobel, the founder of the award, was no unknown person.

Nobel himself was a Swedish chemist and inventor, famous for inventing dynamite.

He owned 355 patent inventions in his lifetime, opened about 20 companies and factories in 100 countries including Europe and the United States, and accumulated huge wealth.

It can be said that Nobel himself is a top scholar, but he is just good at business.

Therefore, the award he established was not for fame and fortune, but to truly dedicate everything to the cause of science.

The award has a lofty purpose.

Second, the prize money is huge and unprecedented.

Before his death, Nobel donated all his inheritance, the total amount reaching a terrifying 3100 million Swedish kronor.

It was equivalent to 1.7% of Sweden’s GDP at the time and 17% of Sweden’s total fiscal revenue.

It is precisely because of this huge sum of money that the Swedish government has the motivation to continue awarding the Nobel Prize.

There are five major awards, and the prize money for a single physics Nobel Prize is as high as 15 Swedish kronor. This is the first session, and the prize money will be higher in the future.

So, the prize money alone is enough to drive anyone crazy.

You know, even in later generations, there are very few awards worth millions, and most of them are given to groups.

The Nobel Prize is only awarded to individuals, not groups, so the prize money each person can get is extremely considerable.

Scientists are also human beings. They also need to eat, drink, defecate, urinate and sleep. A high bonus is a respect for humanity and even more so for science.

On the contrary, awards that are just pieces of paper are treating people like beasts of burden, giving them only honor but no money.

Third, the authority of the award is beyond doubt.

Both the Physics Prize and the Chemistry Prize are awarded by the Royal Swedish Academy of Sciences.

The Royal Swedish Academy of Sciences is full of talented people and is on par with the Royal Society of London and the French Academy of Sciences.

It is Sweden's highest academic institution and scientific center, and exists independently from the government.

As for the nominees, they are all professors from famous universities in Sweden, Norway, Denmark and other countries, and they all have their own influence in the field of physics.

The requirements for candidates' achievements are even more stringent, and they must be the most significant discoveries or inventions.

Therefore, the goals set by the Nobel Prize from the beginning have proved its authority and have not changed since then.

Moreover, the award was presented by the king himself. Europe and the United States have never lost in terms of superficial work and they know how to manipulate people's psychology.

Fourth, the award is groundbreaking.

Before the Nobel Prize, there were no formal awards in the field of physics, and everyone's achievements were reviewed by a few acquaintances.

Not to mention awards that cover multiple countries, which simply don't exist.

The emergence of the Nobel Prize filled the gap.

It does not restrict the nationality of the winners and allows screening to be conducted worldwide.

Involve all physicists.

This naturally greatly stimulated the enthusiasm of scholars.

Combining the above four conditions, we can know that although the early Nobel Prizes were not as mythologized as they were in later generations.

But in this era, it is still the world's number one award in the field of natural sciences.

At least in the minds of physicists, the Nobel Prize in Physics is the supreme existence and the dream of everyone.

And now, the winners of this award are about to be announced, which is truly attracting everyone's attention.

As time goes by, it is almost known to everyone.

This is also the result of strong publicity by the governments of Sweden and Norway (which awarded the Peace Prize).

As long as the Nobel Prize becomes more well-known and has a greater influence, the two countries will naturally become famous.

Then we will be able to attract more scientific talents, which will be a positive feedback.

In the Cavendish Laboratory, Ridgway, Rutherford, Wilson and Richardson were chatting.

Wilson was excited and recounted the news he had heard from somewhere. "I never thought that the Nobel Prize in Physics would have such a great influence."

"Now in the whole of Cambridge, almost all teachers and students are discussing it, and some are even making predictions, you know."

A few people smiled knowingly, and the physicists' discussion on [Probability Competition] was indeed not a good idea.

Richardson, the younger brother, continued, “I heard that Oxford University has made a threatening statement that one of the five awards must be won.”

Wilson said disdainfully: "What's the point of winning a literature prize? In my opinion, the only reliable Nobel Prizes are those in physics, chemistry, physiology or medicine."

"I find it hard to imagine what the evaluation criteria are for the literature award and the peace prize."

"Physics is different. If it works, it works. If it doesn't, it doesn't work. It is not subject to human will. There is no fraud or human influence."

"If I happen to be selected this time, do you three think it's fair?"

The three of them burst into laughter immediately.

Li Qiwei couldn't help laughing and said, "Wilson, you have too little confidence. Of course you have a chance to win the prize."

Then he changed the subject, "But there is one disadvantage, which is that the Nobel Prize can only be held once."

Wilson was stunned for a few seconds before he reacted, and protested on the spot that Li Qiwei's criticism was too harsh.

Rutherford smiled and said, "We are lucky to live in this era. If the Nobel Prize in Physics had appeared decades earlier, I can't imagine how fierce the competition would have been."

Several people nodded in agreement. If that was the case, there would be no need to choose in the first term. Maxwell would be the winner, and the rest would be a showdown between the next level masters.

Rutherford went on to say: “Personally, I think that the first Nobel Prize in Physics will not be awarded for achievements in classical physics.”

"The most likely choice is among X-ray, radioactivity, electron, atomic spectra, etc."

"Bruce's quantum theory and photoelectric effect are definitely strong competitive achievements, no less than those of his predecessors."

"As for the next few sessions, I guess they might be given research directions such as gas discharge, cathode rays, and spectroscopy."

After listening to Rutherford's analysis, Li Qiwei was shocked. The master is indeed a master with such a sharp vision.

The achievements mentioned by the other party basically covered the Nobel Prizes in Physics in previous years.

For these widely recognized and influential theories or discoveries, everyone basically thinks they will win the prize, but there is a certain order of precedence. Wilson said sourly: "If Bruce wins the prize, it would be terrible. He is not even a doctor now."

After hearing this, Li Qiwei was at a loss whether to laugh or cry, and suddenly thought of a joke from later generations: If I won the Nobel Prize, could it be exchanged for a doctorate degree from a 985 university?

This kind of thing might really happen to him, of course, the prerequisite is that he can win the first award.

Because next year, he will publish a paper on narrow issues and will definitely graduate with a doctorate.

By then, the Nobel Prize Committee in Physics will not even dare to award this theory.

Moreover, a bold idea suddenly appeared in Li Qiwei's mind.

Is it possible that in the future there will be a scientific award named after him?

Those who do not receive the Ridgway Award will be awarded a Nobel Prize as a consolation.
Just thinking about that scene made his blood boil.

Wilson saw that Li Qiwei had a strange expression on his face, and immediately pulled the other two away, because he knew that Bruce was about to start showing off, and now they had to leave quickly.

In Germany, at the Institute of Physics at the University of Munich, Professor Roentgen, director, is currently reviewing documents.

His student Laue walked in at this time with an excited look on his face. After reporting his work, he asked to say something.

Professor Roentgen was curious and motioned for him to continue.

"Professor, do you know that people all over the University of Munich are saying that you have a great chance of winning the first Nobel Prize in Physics?"

"It is said that they have drawn up a list, and you are ranked first."

Professor Roentgen expressed his helplessness at the actions of these young people and said with a smile: "There are many people who have achieved more than me, and no one can guarantee the award."

Lauer added enviously, "Bruce was ranked ninth by them and is also a strong contender for the Nobel Prize."

Roentgen shook his head and said as if to himself: "It's too low. In my opinion, the first place is well deserved."

Then, he suddenly pretended to be stern and said, "Look at Bruce, then look at yourself. You are actually no less intelligent than him."

"He was able to achieve such success simply because he devoted all his time to research. You should learn from him."

"The last conference you attended in Belgium was very good. Some of the content there was very inspiring to me."

"When you encounter problems, you should write to Bruce more often. I have a feeling that his future is definitely limitless."

Lauer muttered, "I'm not bad either."

Roentgen said, "Okay, then I'll wait for you to win a Nobel Prize in Physics for me."

Laue immediately looked worried, not only did he fail to eat the melon, but he was also scolded. Professor Roentgen was just too strict.

On the other side, at the University of Berlin, Planck's office was filled with laughter.

His favorite student, Schlick, no longer had the proud and impulsive look he had in the past, but had become very calm and full of vigor.

Planck liked this student even more than Ridgway.

Because his relationship with Li Qiwei is not just as simple as teacher and student, it is more like a confidant and a friend regardless of age.

"Teacher, the quantum theory you and Bruce have developed is widely known outside. It is definitely a Nobel Prize-level achievement."

“There is a great chance that he will win this year’s Nobel Prize in Physics.”

Planck smiled slightly. He did not care much about these honors. His wish was for the younger generation to achieve something.

"I'm afraid the rumors are different in every school. Everyone wants their school to produce a Nobel Prize winner in physics."

"I will feel more proud when I introduce myself to others in the future."

Schlick was immediately seen through and smiled awkwardly, "But I really envy Bruce. If he can win the award, he is too young."

When Planck heard this, his thoughts drifted far away, and he also wanted to hope for a miracle.

In the physics laboratory of the University of Paris, France, Mr. Curie was doing experiments with Lang Zhiwan.

As a result, the other party seemed absent-minded and made several small mistakes in succession.

Mr. Curie asked, "Lang Zhiwan, what's wrong with you? Are you feeling unwell?"

Lang Zhiwan reacted and apologized quickly, "Oh, Professor, I was distracted just now, thinking about the Nobel Prize in Physics."

Mr. Curie laughed and said, "You young people just can't wait. The truth will be revealed on that day. Why do you care about it in advance?"

Lang Zhiwan suddenly smiled and said, "That's because I hope you can win the award. This way I will have more face when I go out."

"My advisor is a Nobel Prize winner in physics. Any university would hire me."

Mr. Curie was amused by Lang Zhiwan. "I have only done a small amount of work, how can I expect to win the award? Professor Becquerel is the one who deserves it."

Lang Zhiwan said: "That's also thanks to you and your wife." Speaking of Madame Curie, Lang Zhiwan's expression suddenly softened, but Curie didn't notice.

Professor Millikan is communicating with his colleagues at the University of Chicago in the United States.

Ever since he brought back his experiences at the Young Scholars Conference in Brussels, he has immediately become popular.

These universities often hold exchange meetings, which are mainly attended by young people.

Millikan is now struck by the young men.

Born, Langevin, Laue and Einstein were all young men in their early twenties, but they left a deep impression on him.

Let him know that there are indeed talents in this world, and they are visible to the naked eye.

Millikan sometimes wondered whether his choice to work in the field of physics was a wrong one.

To do physics, maybe you only need the top group of people.

The figure of Li Qiwei appeared in his mind again, that genius who was so dazzling that he could not look directly at him. Could he win the first Nobel Prize in Physics?

Just now, his colleagues complained to him that the current scientific strength of the United States is still a long way from that of Europe.

The only person who could possibly compete for the award this time is probably Professor Michelson, the chairman of the Department of Physics at the University of Chicago.

The famous Michelson-Morley experiment proved that ether does not exist. Such an achievement is definitely Nobel Prize-level.

Apart from the very few people who are eligible to compete for the Nobel Prize, most people are just watching and speculating with curiosity.

These days, whether it is a major newspaper or a tabloid, whether it is a scientific journal or a news magazine, the front page is always about the Nobel Prize.

Politicians see public opinion in the Peace Prize.

Writers see dissatisfaction in literary awards, and writers have looked down on each other since ancient times.

Only practitioners of natural sciences see authority and future goals in the three major awards.

The outside world was discussing it heatedly, everyone was praying for their idols, it was a crazy scene.

However, in Sweden, huge differences emerged at a secret meeting of the Nobel Prize in Physics Committee.

The final candidate has not yet been determined, and each of the five members of the group has their own reasons.

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(End of this chapter)