From c-Numbers to q-Numbers. The Classical Analogy in the History of Quantum Theory.

The history of quantum theory is a maze of conceptual problems, through which Olivier Darrigol aims to provide a lucid and learned guide, tracking the role of formal analogies between classical and quantum theory. From Planck's first introduction of the quantum of action to Dirac's formulation of quantum mechanics, Darrigol illuminates not only the history of quantum theory but also the role of analogies in scientific thinking and theory change. Rather than focusing on qualitative, global arguments, Darrigol's study follows the lines of mathematical reasoning and symbolizing and sets out to show the motivations of early quantum theorists more precisely - and provocatively. "From c-Numbers to q-Numbers" aims to be a philosophically perceptive and mathematically precise history of quantum mechanics.