Who in the world doesn't know you

With Rayleigh and two other big shots giving their tacit approval, the controversy over Quantum Theory finally ended.

As the principles of the photoelectric effect were clearly demonstrated on the blackboard, all the physicists present understood that the world of physics was about to change.

A brand new physical theory, its significance was immeasurable.

The professors from Oxford University, who had been dejected, quickly rallied.

"Oh, my goodness, what kind of genius were we arguing with before? I feel a bit ashamed thinking about it now."

"It's hard to imagine that he's only a 20-year-old undergraduate. Compared to Newton, he's probably not much different."

"In terms of influence, there's still a considerable gap. After all, both Quantum Theory and the photoelectric effect operate in the microscopic world and currently have little impact on the real world."

"Regardless, a new theory is a major advancement in physics, and we should all learn it."

Since they couldn't refute Quantum Theory, Vice-Principal Lucas was out of luck. As professors, they now had access to a completely new physical theory, and their excitement was beyond words.

Moreover, they might even be able to add more courses and earn more tuition. It was rumored that Newton invented calculus back then to increase the college's revenue, as students had to pay for retakes if they failed.

Seeing that no one had any more questions, Lord Kelvin prepared to announce the end of the debate.

There was simply too much content from this conference, especially the final photoelectric effect, which required careful digestion.

Suddenly, Li Qiwei made a request, "My Lord, regarding the photoelectric effect, I have something I'd like to say."

"Oh?" Lord Kelvin was taken aback, then said, "Bruce, please, feel free. I'm sure everyone present would love to hear you speak."

This was followed by a burst of laughter.

Li Qiwei awkwardly touched his nose, then said seriously, "What I want to say in the end is actually a proposal."

"As we all know, physics, since its inception, has been validated through the mutual verification of theory and experiment."

"In the past, great physicists were often both the proposers of theories and the verifiers through experiments."

"However, with the continuous development of academia, physics has become increasingly profound and specialized. Even giants find it difficult to excel in both areas."

"Furthermore, physics now often emphasizes theory and phenomena, while neglecting experimental and apparatus design."

"Newton's law of universal gravitation, Maxwell's equations of electromagnetism, were all great achievements of pure theory."

"In comparison, the experimental verification of these theories often seemed like a mere supplement."

"Or rather, physicists engaged in experimentation were far less prominent than those engaged in theoretical work."

"I believe this is unreasonable."

"For example, my senior colleague, Wilson, although he is not as strong as me in theoretical aspects, I can't even come close to him when it comes to designing instruments and experiments."

At this point, everyone knew what Li Qiwei was going to say, and they were impressed by his magnanimity.

Wilson looked at him incredulously, his heart filled with emotion.

Li Qiwei continued, "Therefore, I propose that future physics research be divided into Theoretical Physics and experimental physics."

"Theoretical Physics focuses on exploring the unknown structures, interactions, and motion of matter in nature from a theoretical standpoint, or discovering new phenomena."

"Experimental physics, on the other hand, explores the material world and natural laws through experiments, while simultaneously verifying the correctness of theories and phenomena."

"These two branches hold equal status and are both important components of physics."

After he finished, the venue erupted in thunderous applause once again, especially from the teachers who were already teaching experimental courses at the university, who wholeheartedly agreed.

Indeed, those who conducted physics experiments were often considered to lack talent, only capable of performing manual labor.

And now, a Theoretical Physics scholar, who might be the most brilliant in the world, had voluntarily spoken up for the experimentalists, which was deeply moving.

Wilson even clapped his hands until they were red. He decided that he must have a good drink with Li Qiwei after returning.

Li Qiwei looked at everyone's expressions with great emotion.

He brought out the future division of physics twenty to thirty years early, precisely to accelerate the development of physics.

In this era, there were not as many laboratories in universities as one might imagine; most were privately owned.

The big shots would conduct experiments when they felt like it, and indulge in revelry when they didn't, not treating experimentation as a scientific discipline of physics.

Moreover, due to the inconvenience of communication (compared to later times), it often happened that after a theory was proposed, no one was able or thought to immediately prove it through experimentation.

This led to slow progress in physics.

Historically, Einstein proposed the theoretical proof of the photoelectric effect in 1905, but it wasn't experimentally proven by the American physicist Millikan until 1916.

While there were many reasons for this, the slow progress due to the lack of emphasis on experimentation was certainly an important factor.

Therefore, he added, "To show my emphasis on experimental physics, I have decided that I myself will not participate in the experimental proof of the photoelectric effect."

"If any of you can design an experiment to prove it, then the corresponding achievements and honors will be yours."

Wow!

The conference was completely shaken by this announcement.

Everyone was stunned by Li Qiwei's boldness.

A comparison would illustrate the weight of these words.

Maxwell theoretically predicted the existence of electromagnetic waves in 1865, and Hertz experimentally proved their existence in 1888, thus gaining widespread fame and becoming a top physicist.

It wouldn't be an exaggeration to say that verifying a great theory makes the achievement itself great.

And now, Li Qiwei announced he wouldn't be participating in the experiment.

How could everyone not be surprised?

But then again, it made sense. Holding the two great theoretical achievements of Quantum Theory (after the conference, Li Qiwei decided not to call it quantum mechanics for now, pending further refinement) and the photoelectric effect.

Li Qiwei no longer needed extra honors. He was already the top physicist of his time, on par with giants like Röntgen.

From this moment on, at least in the physics community, Li Qiwei deserved to be called: "Who in this world doesn't know you?"

Of course, because he was still so young, his fame was slightly less, but that would all come naturally in time.

However, it was different for others.

Millikan, in the audience, had a fervent gaze. He planned to start designing experiments as soon as he returned to America.

Quantum Theory and the photoelectric effect would definitely become the mainstream topics in the physics community next. As long as he could prove them, his professorship would be absolutely secure.

It was a pity that whether Li Qiwei, this butterfly, would cause historical changes, even he himself didn't know.

Soon, the conference ended in a heated atmosphere.

Li Qiwei looked at Planck with a smile of relief, and then they walked off the stage together.

After shaking hands and getting acquainted with the big names below, Li Qiwei finally came back to his senses.

The high-intensity debate had almost consumed all his energy. His brain had been running at full speed, almost exploding.

Even as a transmigrator, facing such a group of top-tier humans felt like Mount Tai pressing down on him, a heart-stopping experience.

Of course, if Li Qiwei hadn't been so "unscrupulous" and revealed too much heavenly secrets, it would have been stress-free. But he probably would have been taken away by the British military on the spot.

Next, everyone went for a buffet afternoon tea to rest, and then it was time for the regular academic exchange sessions.

After all, the Royal Society wouldn't hold such a large-scale conference just for Li Qiwei.

Instead, they were using this good opportunity for top physicists from around the world to exchange ideas, discuss academics, and enhance Britain's scientific influence.

In the dining hall, besides the aroma of food, the air was filled with the fragrance of knowledge, refreshing the mind. Li Qiwei was there, chatting and laughing with the great figures.

Just then, Lord Kelvin walked towards him with a smile, accompanied by an elder around sixty years old. "Bruce, let me introduce you to a friend."

The elder spoke, "Hello, Mr. Bruce, I am Ernest Solvay."

Thank you to all new and old book friends for your recommendation tickets.