Ludwig Boltzman

Physics is one of my favorite subjects. I have to confess that I find quantum mechanics particularly challenging. It’s above my IQ level. Still I try my best. But statistical mechanics is not that hard. Currently I am making my way through David L. Goodstein’s States of Matter (1975).

Goodstein is good. The first chapter, “Thermodynamics and Statistical Mechanics,” begins by situating the subject in its historical context:

1.1 INTRODUCTION: THERMODYNAMICS AND STATISTICAL MECHANICS OF THE PERFECT GAS

Ludwig Boltzmann, who spent much of his life studying statistical mechanics, died in 1906, by his own hand. Paul Ehrenfest, carrying on the work, died similarly in 1933. Now it is our turn to study statistical mechanics.

Perhaps it will be wise to approach the subject cautiously.

We all know the atomic theory of matter and take atoms for granted. It is therefore surprising to realize that around the year 1900, a mere century and a quarter ago, very few scientists took it seriously. Ludwig Boltzman (1844 -1906) did but Ernest Mach did not.

Modern physics is mainly a creation of the 20th century CE.

I recommend this video. The note to the video states:

In the serene town of Duino, Italy, on September 5, 1906, physicist Ludwig Boltzmann took his own life. The reason was constant criticism for his belief in atoms—a concept most scientists of his era dismissed.

Boltzmann was among the first to use atoms and molecules to explain the mysteries of thermodynamics—ideas that eventually formed the foundation of quantum mechanics. Despite this, he had to face massive criticism from his colleagues, mostly from Mach and Ostwald. Mach believed that since atoms could not be observed, they are not scientific theories. Shortly after his death, Boltzmann’s ideas got widespread acceptance mostly due to the work of Einstein and Planck.

On the matter of entropy, one of the best to explain that concept is Roger Penrose. That guy is a certified genius.

BTW, I am happy to note that in 1905 Boltzman was invited to lecture at the summer session of my alma mater, the University of California at Berkeley.

It’s all karma, neh.