Biographies in the History of Physics

This innovative work redefines the biographical tradition in physics history by extending life stories beyond scientists to include instruments, institutions, and even abstract concepts. Forstner challenges conventional historical narratives by treating non-human subjects as protagonists with their own developmental arcs and cultural impacts. The book's core argument—that biography serves as a powerful metaphor for understanding scientific evolution—transforms how we perceive the relationships between people, tools, and ideas in physics. Through carefully selected case studies, it demonstrates how everything from particle detectors to theoretical frameworks can possess compelling life histories worthy of examination.

What distinguishes this volume is its methodological courage in bridging disparate historical perspectives while maintaining scholarly rigor. Readers interested in the philosophy of science will appreciate its nuanced exploration of whether concepts like entropy or institutions like CERN can truly have "biographies." The text particularly rewards those who enjoy meta-historical analysis and interdisciplinary approaches, connecting physics with narrative theory and material culture studies. By framing scientific development through biographical metaphor, Forstner ultimately provides a fresh lens for understanding how knowledge becomes embedded in both objects and institutions over time.