The Wave Theory and the Quantum Theory

Abstract

IN a letter published in NATURE on December 23, 1922, I put forward a theory of dispersion which attempted to begin the reconciliation of the quantum theory with the wave theory. I have received several letters criticising my hypothesis, and it seemed to me that it would be well to acknowledge the justice of the criticism. By a small change it is possible to meet the objection, but this change carries certain important implications. In my former letter, in order to be concise, I had to get as quickly as possible to the positive results, but here I wish to set out the train of thought from which the hypothesis started, and to indicate some of its consequences. It is perhaps well at once to say that in its present shape the hypothesis is in rather severe difficulties over one phenomenon, but nevertheless the argument leads to a good many criticisms of existing theories which may be of interest.