Solvay Councils and the Birth of Modern Physics

The Solvay Councils, called since 1911 by the eminent Belgian industrialist Ernest Solvay, have had a major impact on the birth and development of modern physics, especially quantum and nuclear physics. The book tells this story through the lively presentation of the reports and warm debates taking place in what Einstein called a "witches Sabbath". The proceedings of the Councils presented here (1911-1933) being published in French, this book offers the English reader opportunity of a direct contact with science at work. The historical and sociological context is also discussed in several separate contributions by international specialists: E. Solvay and his Foundations (D. Devriese, G. Wallenborn); The Solvay Councils and the Nobel Foundation (E. Crawford); Rutherford, the Cavendish Laboratory and the Solvay Coucils (J. Hughes); Langevin and the French Scientists at the Solvay Councils (B. Bensande-Vincent). Most of these contributions were presented at an international Colloquium held in Brussels in 1995, which extends the content of a first edition of this book, published in French. The book is abundantly illustrated, including numerous original documents.