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Inventing the Wave Equation (1926)

In: The Roots of Things

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  • Alan A. Grometstein

Abstract

In a more fanciful age, legends would have been generated to explain how Schrödinger’s equation came into existence: The good-physics fairy appeared and said, “Erwin, you have been true to the quest and have penetrated the mysteries; as a reward, you may have some golden equations.” And Schrödinger, awestruck but shrewd, replied, “How many equations, shining one?” The apparition answered, “If you want polynomial equations, you may have three. If transcendental equations, two. While if you yearn for a differential equation, you may have only one. But trust me, Erwin, it would be a dilly.” Then Schrödinger, much emboldened, exclaimed, “Let’s shoot the moon, fairy-person: I want a second-order linear partial differential equation that I can call my own.” And so it was.

Suggested Citation

  • Alan A. Grometstein, 1999. "Inventing the Wave Equation (1926)," Springer Books, in: The Roots of Things, chapter 0, pages 347-383, Springer.
    • Handle: RePEc:spr:sprchp:978-1-4615-4877-5_14
    DOI: 10.1007/978-1-4615-4877-5_14
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