Boltzmann's Atom

This scientific biography reveals the epic story of the brilliant nineteenth century physicist who championed the atomic theory of matter.

The atomic century delivered an astonishing string of breakthroughs that began with Albert Einstein and continues to this day. But before this explosive growth, an all-but-forgotten genius strove for forty years to win acceptance for the atomic theory of matter and an altogether new way of doing physics. Ludwig Boltzmann battled with philosophers, the scientific establishment, and his own potent demons. His victory led the way to the greatest scientific achievements of the twentieth century.

Now acclaimed science writer David Lindley portrays the dramatic story of Boltzmann and his embrace of the atom, while providing a window on the civilized world that gave birth to our scientific era. Boltzmann’s intellectual journey ranges from fin de siècle Vienna, across Germany and Britain, to America. He clashed time and again with his nemesis, Ernst Mach, who believed physics should address only that which could be directly observed. Their opposing ideologies set the stage for an epic battle of ideas. Boltzmann’s ultimate victory lives on in the new physics and technology of our wired world.