Go back to the past and be a schoolboy

Chapter 210 My teacher's heart, heart's teacher's eyes, and eyes' teacher Huashan
University of Berlin, Munich, Germany.

Laue excitedly took a telegram and rushed to the room of his teacher Planck.

Before the door was pushed open, the shouts had already rushed in.

"Teacher, good news. Tom Cheng, a famous mathematician from China, is coming to visit our school. He wants to see you by name. He said that he must discuss with you the mysteries between mathematics and physics."

"Is that true? No, right now our two countries are warring countries. It's too dangerous for him to come here. Send him a telegram immediately, telling him not to come here." Planck was overjoyed and turned to worry.

Raising the telegram in his hand, Laue shrugged and said, "I'm afraid I can't fulfill your request. Cheng said in the telegram that they are already on their way to Europe, so you can just wait at ease."

Fearing that Planck would not believe it, Laue deliberately stepped forward, spread the telegram on the table and said seriously: "It also said in the telegram that you have prepared a big gift for the teacher, saying that you can bring new mathematical research. Help you improve the law of black body radiation, as your 60th birthday gift."

"God, is this true?" Planck snatched the telegram quickly, and after reading it twice, he still couldn't believe it: "Cheng is really a genius, just a few sentences gave me a little inspiration, You must know that it took me a total of 6 years to derive this radiation formula!"

Looking at the history of modern physics, there is almost no great physicist who is not well versed in the language of mathematics.

For the theoretical physicist, the function of mathematics is to provide an imaginative background for him to grasp the external world.

Galileo, the father of modern physics, famously said: The book of nature is written in the language of mathematics.

For example, calculus is a powerful mathematical tool invented by Newton to deal with basic mechanical problems (such as instantaneous velocity). He felt that only through this new calculation tool can he express the physical world in his mind governed by the law of causality magnificent image.

Likewise, Einstein was familiar with the basic ideas of analytic geometry, as well as the concepts of infinite series, differentiation, and integration, between the ages of 12 and 16.And convinced that all physics is based on Newton's laws of motion and the necessary masses and forces, everything can be developed mathematically by deduction.

In the study of thermal radiation, Planck also spent a long time in mathematics in order to derive the radiation formula.

And Cheng Nuo said frankly in the telegram that he could further improve on his original basis, which made him very excited in his sixties.

"It's unimaginable, what a mysterious oriental youth." Holding the telegram, Planck murmured.

Laue, a student at the side, came up with an idea: "Teacher, aren't you currently studying the problem of asymmetric gyroscopes to solve the optical problems of molecular rotation spectra? There are some mathematical problems in the middle. If Cheng comes, you can exchange ideas with him." Discuss it."

"That's a good idea." Unfortunately, after thinking for a while, the light in Planck's eyes went out again: "If it was okay before, but now I am notorious, even if I can come here, how can I have any qualifications and face?" To face international academic colleagues?"

Maybe it was too depressing in the room, or maybe he was too stuffy, Planck took the initiative to open the window, looked at the unclear sky and said: "How much I wish there is a spiritual world and a moral world in a place where all nations are not fighting each other. The existence of the world."

Laue comforted: "Teacher, it's actually not your fault. You didn't know the political background and content of the declaration in advance."

Plank waved his hand: "You don't need to say any more. Isn't it a mistake to not understand in advance?"

The so-called declaration is a declaration that Germany declared that it was right to launch a war. Planck was bewitched to sign this declaration.

But precisely because of this declaration, Planck was criticized by a large number of colleagues in the field of natural science at home and abroad.

Later, Planck deeply regretted this, and wanted to try his best to eliminate the bad influence caused by his negligence in the international scientific community.

So when he saw Cheng Nuo's interview letter, apart from his first reaction of being happy, everything else was frustration and self-blame for himself.

On the deck of the cruise ship, Cheng Nuo smiled helplessly after receiving Planck's tactful rejection.

"No wonder Einstein said Mr. Planck knew no more about politics than cats knew about their God. Why bother yourself?"

After receiving the telegram, Liang Qichao felt the same after reading it: "Isn't this a helpless choice of his own? The political reality and tragic ending are always the opposite of what he wants to say and what he wants."

Cheng Nuo just wanted to fill his stomach with a piece of bread, but before he could reach his mouth, he was seized by the seagulls following the cruise ship and snatched it away. When everyone laughed, Cheng Nuo felt helpless :

"In the early years, Max Planck openly believed that scientific research is facing a double task, that is, to fully grasp the sensory world and fully understand the real world. In our opinion, this is not only a goal that can never be accomplished, but also traps ourselves."

Liang Qichao handed over a piece of bread again, guarding against seagulls like a thief: "You mean that Planck is in the picture and divorced from reality?"

"This is what Mr. Ren said in reality, but I didn't say it." A sly look flashed across Cheng Nuo's face. He took the bread and stuffed it into his mouth with lightning speed. Unfortunately, the bread was so dry that he was almost caught. Choke speechless: "Actually... physics is the same as mathematics, we... hiccup~"

It was Liang Qichao who was more careful, and quickly handed over a glass of water: "Don't worry, no one will snatch it from you... Uh, no, the bird in the sky will snatch it for you, but it doesn't have to be like this."

"Woo, it's much better, thank you, Mr. Ren." Taking a sip of water, Cheng Nuo suddenly felt much more comfortable, and then he talked eloquently: "The structure of the physical world image is constantly improving, which means gradually moving away from the sensory world and becoming More and more abstract formulas.

Coupled with Planck's three-century theory, the sensory world, the real world and the world of physical science seem strange at first glance, but in fact it is very similar to a famous saying in our ancient aesthetic history. How do you say that sentence?what is it call

I teach my heart, my heart teaches my eyes, and my eyes teach Huashan. "

After finishing his speech, Liang Qichao couldn't help but looked Cheng Nuo up and down, and was amazed: "It seems that you are also very good at studying philosophical issues."

Cheng Nuo laughed and said, "There is something to live for, but there is nothing to live for."

Liang Qichao looked at Cheng Nuo's smug look, couldn't help but punch him, and asked curiously, "So, you're going to give up visiting Planck?"

Cheng Nuo raised his eyebrows: "Who said that? I didn't give up."

Liang Qichao asked suspiciously: "Then others have declined, so you still have the cheek to go?"

Cheng Nuo sighed and said, "Why not? Our current development of the chemical industry is just a coincidence. If we want to honestly complete the road to industrialization, we must lay a good foundation for the industrialization of coal + steel. Coal provides fuel for industrialization, and steel provides fuel for industrialization." It is the most basic material for industrialization.

Looking at the national economy and society, the demand for steel is almost everywhere: industrial equipment needs steel, coal mines need steel, infrastructure construction needs steel, and agricultural production needs steel.

But the development of these two items is not as simple as talking about it. I always wanted to avoid it before, but now as the scale of our industry is getting bigger and bigger, it is very unrealistic to blindly purchase equipment from foreign countries.

The most urgent ammonia synthesis process now requires equipment and pipelines to withstand huge high temperature and high pressure. This is based on the production of alloy steel seamless pipes, and we just don’t have the production technology for seamless steel pipes. It’s really fatal. "

Liang Qichao suddenly thought of something, and said eagerly: "We make guns and cannons, isn't it just seamless steel pipes?"

"I didn't expect Mr. Ren to know so much." Cheng Nuo was a little surprised, but he still replied patiently: "Plainly speaking, when a gun is fired, the chamber pressure is very high, and if it is not made of seamless steel pipe, it will explode. If you hurt yourself, if the military industry wants to develop better, it cannot do without steel technology."

Liang Qichao said thoughtfully: "So this is one of the reasons why we rushed to Europe."

Cheng Nuo nodded: "If there are no accidents, the end of the European War will not be too far away. We need to catch up with this special time and gather as many skills and talents as possible, so as not to prevent some countries from being defeated in the future. No chance for soup."

Liang Qichao asked, "So, do you think Germany will be defeated?"

Seeing that no one was paying attention, Cheng Nuo hurriedly pulled Liang Qichao aside, and said in a low voice, "There is no justice or evil in this European war. Most of them come from China. Whoever can't hold on first will collapse.

Looking at it now, the possibility of Germany's failure is very high, and no one can be sure until the end.But from my point of view, now is a good time to enter the village, quietly enter the village, don't shoot guns, just let's go after we get the things. "

Talking about the war situation, Liang Qichao was a little sad: "The violence in nature is far inferior to human beings, and the violence of barbarians is far inferior to civilized people. In the so-called brilliant civilization, what will happen in the future? The more you think about it, the more chilling you will be. Europe is nothing but a scientific dream."

Cheng Nuo shook his head: "But our country is not even qualified to dream."

Liang Qichao was a little unconvinced: "If it is true as you said, Germany failed, and we will be the victors. Standing on the international political stage, this is a big change that hasn't happened in a century. Although it is not a dream, the dream has been reflected in reality. .”

With the upcoming Paris Peace Conference, although Cheng Nuo didn't want to attack, he didn't want Liang Qichao to be too disappointed in the end because of his high expectations. After thinking about it, he said: "Without the national industrial foundation laid by coal and steel, the world has no public law. The strong adorn the tools of their power."

Although Liang Qichao wanted to refute, but thinking about what the western powers did, his reason told him that what Cheng Nuo said was the truth.

But his emotions did not allow him to continue to think about it. The consequences were too terrible, so he changed the subject like a deception: "Planck, what are you going to do next?"

Cheng Nuonu pouted: "The Western philosopher Goethe once said that as long as a person is pursuing, he will inevitably be confused. This telegram is a manifestation of his confusion. Of course we have the responsibility to help him get rid of this confusion. We should go or go. "

After a pause, Cheng Nuo said with emotion: "Actually, it's not his fault. There's no justice in the current European war. Everyone supports their own country. As a German, he should support his own country. It's his fault. It was his fault that Germany was the defeated country."

Liang Qichao was a little confused: "What's the explanation?"

Cheng Nuo explained with a smile: "Last year, on behalf of the Academy of Sciences, I sent invitations to major countries around the world, inviting them to come to the annual meeting of our Academy of Sciences. Mr. Ren, do you know why we didn't make it in the end?"

Liang Qichao asked, "Why?"

Cheng Nuo smiled and said, "Nationalism is on the rise. Of course, everyone is busy fighting. The United States is far more aggressive than Germany in this regard."

As a "latecomer" in the First World War, the United States mobilized various social forces, including universities, to serve the war after entering the war in April 1917, in order to win the "total war".

Due to the sharp deterioration of US-Germany relations and the eventual severance of diplomatic relations between the two countries, anti-German sentiment in the United States is on the rise.In this situation, the higher education community generally showed strong enthusiasm for war and actively supported the federal government in preparing for and participating in the war.

Without the government issuing orders, the American higher education community spontaneously organized and established the "Intercollegiate Information Bureau" in 1917 under the initiative of William McClellan, Dean of the Wharton School of Business at the University of Pennsylvania, to "assist the government in recruiting students who are willing to join the army." College students or college graduates, and put them in the right position to use their strengths."

Cheng Nuo's alma mater, Harvard University, set up a military committee to "organize and coordinate all activities of Harvard University's war preparation plan" and ensure that "all facilities of Harvard University can be fully used to support the war." Know how to help the government and will do everything possible to meet the government's needs.

In the atmosphere of the main war that is responding in groups, individuals or organizations that oppose the war may be labeled as "traitors" or "beautiful traitors".

In hundreds of university chemistry laboratories, professors have responded to the call to conduct research under the direction of the government. "

By June 1, the Department of War had formally established the "Chemical Warfare Force," which consisted of seven departments, of which the "Research Department" was located at American University in Washington, DC.The university had the largest chemical weapons laboratory in the United States at the time and is still regarded as the cradle of chemical weapons in the United States.

The research and development of chemical weapons was the largest government research project in the United States during World War I, and its scale was unprecedented.Some scholars estimate that the United States has mobilized at least 1 scientists in this project.Some scholars also believe that the number of scientists involved in the project is more than that, and may be as many as about 9.

From this point of view, if it wasn't for Cheng Nuo's cheating, he just led a team of [-] people and wanted to study chemical weapons. Compared with the United States, it is really not enough.

However, in matters of industry, it is impossible to entrust Cheng Nuo with all the technological breakthroughs. This is also an important reason why Cheng Nuo went to Europe.

Issues such as technology, talents, and equipment all need to grasp the small tail of World War I and make breakthroughs as soon as possible.

(End of this chapter)