The quantum chemistry revolution and the instrumental revolution as evidenced by the Nobel Prizes in chemistry
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Jeffrey I. Seeman
Abstract
The International Year of Quantum Science and Technology (IYQ) publicizes and celebrates the centenary of quantum mechanics (QM). In this essay, I demonstrate that the assemblage of 17 Nobel Prizes in Chemistry awarded since 1960 that are relevant to theoretical and computational chemistry corroborate the literature conclusion that there was a 20th century Quantum Chemistry Revolution. A similar analysis is made for the Instrumental Revolution. These analyses are atypical for assessments in the history of science in that rely on Nobel Prize data. It is the congregation of Nobel Prizes that is a telling pointer to a revolution in science, not the examination of any one Nobel Prize.
Acknowledgments
I thank Russell J. Boyd, A. Ganesan, and Manuel Yáñez for their most collegial invitation to participate in this special issue of Pure and Applied Chemistry. I thank Celia Arnaud, Melinda W. Davis, Ganesan, Roald Hoffmann, and Steven M. Weinreb for helpful suggestions.
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Research ethics: Not applicable.
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Informed consent: Not applicable.
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Author contributions: Not applicable.
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Use of Large Language Models, AI and Machine Learning Tools: Not applicable.
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Conflict of interest: None.
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Research funding: None.
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Data availability: None.
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