Hydrogens Challenge to Dirac Theory Quantum

Hydrogen s Challenge to Dirac Theory Quantum Electrodynamics as the Prototype Physical Theory 

The spectrum of the hydrogen atom has proved to be the Rosetta stone of modern physics. 

Hundreds of physics conferences have been held since World War II, but with little doubt, the most influential conference of them all occurred on June 2, 3, and 4, 1947 on Shelter Island at the eastern end of Long Island. This conference occurred soon after physicists had returned firom their wartime work designing the atomic bomb in Los Alamos, developing radar systems at MIT, or on other war-related projects in laboratories located around the country. Most of the physicists had returned to their prewar faculty positions and were looking ahead. It was an auspicious time for a conference. 

The physicists invited to the Shelter Island conference met in New York City on Sunday, June 1 at the American Institute of Physics, boarded a battered old bus, rode across the length of Long Island, transferred to a ferry, and finally arrived at the Ram s Head bin, where the conference was held. 

The Shelter Island conference was designed to allow an elite 

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