Discover how the crazy ideas of great minds led to the discovery of the Higgs boson.
In their new book Grace in All Simplicity: Beauty, Truth, and Wonders on the Path to the Higgs Boson and New Laws of Nature, theoretical physicists Robert Kahn and Chris Quigg take a fascinating journey through the history of the discovery of the laws of physics and particles, including the Higgs boson. The authors, who are recognized experts in the field of particle physics, share personal memories and stories about scientific giants like Paul Dirac, and how theoretical physicists like Murray Gell-Mann arranged particles into patterns, assuming the existence of quarks.
The book tells about risky experiments, starting from the XVIII century, when the French chemist Charles Francois Du Fay experienced electric discharges, and before the attempts of German physicists to use thunderstorms to split an atom, which led to the tragic death of one of the scientists. More recent research, such as the use of cosmic ray particles and the development of quantum theory, is also described.
The authors also focus on how science evolves on a human level, talking about personal memories of scientists, their characters and unusual methods of work, for example, how Richard Taylor used part of a washing machine for an experiment. The book also mentions lesser-known scientists, and even animals such as Felicia the ferret, who helped clean the particle accelerator tunnels.
Kahn and Quigg emphasize that particle physics has become not only more technically complex, but also more collaborative, reflecting changes in science itself — from the scale of objects studied to the scale of collaboration and virtual work practices.
The book does not claim to be an exhaustive history, but rather a personal view of the authors, reflecting their experience and views formed in American research institutes. But it is personal experience and views that give the story its special value and depth.
The authors enthusiastically share their knowledge, using vivid analogies and poetic images, comparing, for example, atomic spectra with Stravinsky's music. Their story about science and scientific life is filled with inspiration and invites the reader to share their gratitude for the elegance and economy of particle physics, for the scientific uncertainty and openness, for scientists and the science they explore. Grace in All Simplicity is an inspiring story about science and the lives of scientists.
In their new book Grace in All Simplicity: Beauty, Truth, and Wonders on the Path to the Higgs Boson and New Laws of Nature, theoretical physicists Robert Kahn and Chris Quigg take a fascinating journey through the history of the discovery of the laws of physics and particles, including the Higgs boson. The authors, who are recognized experts in the field of particle physics, share personal memories and stories about scientific giants like Paul Dirac, and how theoretical physicists like Murray Gell-Mann arranged particles into patterns, assuming the existence of quarks.
The book tells about risky experiments, starting from the XVIII century, when the French chemist Charles Francois Du Fay experienced electric discharges, and before the attempts of German physicists to use thunderstorms to split an atom, which led to the tragic death of one of the scientists. More recent research, such as the use of cosmic ray particles and the development of quantum theory, is also described.
The authors also focus on how science evolves on a human level, talking about personal memories of scientists, their characters and unusual methods of work, for example, how Richard Taylor used part of a washing machine for an experiment. The book also mentions lesser-known scientists, and even animals such as Felicia the ferret, who helped clean the particle accelerator tunnels.
Kahn and Quigg emphasize that particle physics has become not only more technically complex, but also more collaborative, reflecting changes in science itself — from the scale of objects studied to the scale of collaboration and virtual work practices.
The book does not claim to be an exhaustive history, but rather a personal view of the authors, reflecting their experience and views formed in American research institutes. But it is personal experience and views that give the story its special value and depth.
The authors enthusiastically share their knowledge, using vivid analogies and poetic images, comparing, for example, atomic spectra with Stravinsky's music. Their story about science and scientific life is filled with inspiration and invites the reader to share their gratitude for the elegance and economy of particle physics, for the scientific uncertainty and openness, for scientists and the science they explore. Grace in All Simplicity is an inspiring story about science and the lives of scientists.
