Julian Schwinger: Prodigy, Problem Solver, Pioneering Physicist
DOI: 10.1063/1.881454
Most theoretical physicists rely on interactions with others to stay abreast of theoretical and experimental advances. In classrooms and seminars, on blackboards and napkins, they exchange and clarify ideas with colleagues and students. Rare is the theoretical physicist who makes repeated and varied contributions apart from the throng; rarer still is one who not only contributes but also sets standards and priorities singlehandedly. Julian Seymour Schwinger, who died 16 July 1994 at the age of 76, was such an individual. Gentle but steadfastly independent, quiet but dramatically eloquent, self‐taught and self‐propelled, brilliant and prolific, Schwinger remained active and productive until his death. His ideas, discoveries and techniques pervade all areas of theoretical physics.
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More about the authors
Paul C. Martin, Harvard University, Cambridge, Massachusetts.
Sheldon L. Glashow, Harvard University.
