Stephen Wolfram

SEPTEMBER 23, 2021

And at first I did so in the main scientific paradigm I knew : models based on mathematics and mathematical equations. From mathematics. Mathematical physics. By the late 1970s, though, there were other initiatives emerging, particularly coming from mathematics and mathematical physics. Synergetics.

Computer 55

Computer Mathematics Science Sciences 55

Stephen Wolfram

JANUARY 31, 2023

But by the end of the 1800s, with the existence of molecules increasingly firmly established, the Second Law began to often be treated as an almost-mathematically-proven necessary law of physics. There were still mathematical loose ends, as well as issues such as its application to living systems and to systems involving gravity.

Energy 88

Energy Physics Argumentation Mathematics 88

Stephen Wolfram

AUGUST 22, 2023

It didn’t help that his knowledge of physics was at best spotty (and, for example, I don’t think he ever really learned calculus). In 2015 Ed told me a nice story about his time at Caltech: In 1952–53, I was a student in Linus Pauling’s class where he lectured Freshman Chemistry at Caltech. And it was agreed that we would do it.

Computer 68

Computer Physics Science Sciences 68