The Historical and Physical Foundations of Quantum Mechanics

Placing the development of quantum mechanics in its historical context, from its philosophical origins in Greece, to its scientific realisation in the 19th and 20th centuries, this textbook book culminates with an examination of the current state of the field and an introduction to quantum information and computing. Following the path by which humanity learned quantum mechanics can lead to an improved teaching and understanding of the fundamental theory and the origins of its perceived limitations. The purpose of this textbook is to retrace the development of quantum mechanics by investigating primary sources (including original published papers and letters) with attention to their timing and influence. Placing the development of quantum mechanics in its historical context, from the nascent philosophical notions of matter, atoms, and void in Ancient Greece, to their scientific realization in the 19th and 20th centuries, the book culminates with an examination of the current state of the field and an introduction to quantum information and computing.