A Lesson for the Future of Our Science

This unique volume contains a tribute to Lord Patrick M S Blackett through the testimony of Professor Antonino Zichichi, who was one of Blackett's pupils in the experiment at the Sphinx Observatory, Europe's highest lab (3580 meters a.s.l.), at Jungfraujoch. The book presents an overview of Blackett's most significant discoveries, such as the so called "vacuum polarization" effect, the first example of "virtual physics" and the "strange particles", that opened a new horizon towards the existence of the subnuclear universe. After discussing the profound implications of Blackett's pioneering contributions to Subnuclear Physics, the book also recalls his deep interest in the promotion of scientific culture. Blackett was firmly convinced that physicists must be engaged directly to let the people outside our labs know what the role of science is in the progress of our civilisation. In particular, according to Blackett and his friend Bertrand Russell, the Manhattan Project was the example of how the new frontiers of science and technology would have been implemented in the future. In this respect, the role of dedicated institutions is discussed, as a new bridge between traditional university teaching and the big projects for the future of science and technology.

Contents:The Reasons Why This Book Has Been WrittenAn Incredible Sequence of Unexpected EventsBlackett and the Origin of The Subnuclear UniverseBlackett and Russell (Galilei, Einstein, Gödel)The "Blackett Effect" in the 2nd World WarBlackett and the Whole of Our Knowledge Including Virtual History and the Three Big BangsNew Institutions FoundedMemory is Needed for the FutureThe FutureConclusions — From Blackett to Present Day PhysicsThe View Which Enchanted Professor BlackettReferences
Readership: All physicists or people interested to know Patrick MS Blackett.
Virtual Physics;Blackett Effect;Ettore Majorana Foundation and Centre for Scientific Culture;Subnuclear Universe;The World Federation of Scientists;Erice StatementKey Features:Written by one of Italy's most renowned scientistsA rare insight into the contributions of Patrick M S Blackett — Nobel laureateA valuable book on how science should evolve