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I Pioneered Scientific Magic - Chapter 505
🕑 Added 2024-04-12 23:37:53 +0000 UTCChapter 505: Anthony: No one understands Maxwell better than me!
Lynn Maxwell steadied himself, recovering from his speculation about 'spellcasting barriers,' and asked with slight concern, "What's the council's view now? Have they thought of a way to stop this disturbance?"
Philip shook his head helplessly. In fact, the council was now in complete disarray. Losing the ability to sense a certain element like this had never happened before in the history of magic.
It is said that Victorio, the council president, had conducted several physical and mental examinations on them, but nothing new had been discovered so far.
The only certainty was that these individuals had begun to question the nature of photoelectricity, and many had even participated in discussions about the wave-particle duality, publishing several papers in newspapers.
Philip paused before continuing, "Now, quite a few wizards supporting the particle theory are suggesting a ban on wave theory to stop the 'spellcasting barrier syndrome' from spreading further..."
The council members were also considering this suggestion. After all, the impact of this dispute was too significant, and this bizarre 'spellcasting barrier' was indeed making many wizards uneasy, even worrying several council presidents.
Although the main forces of the Church had long since collapsed, Aila, who had fled abroad, was still a significant threat.
And now, the thunder magic was a critical force within the entire magic system, holding a significant advantage in information transmission. The electromagnetic fields it generated were also crucial in restraining nuclear forces!
"So, the council presidents have also asked me to inquire about your opinion," Philip said cautiously.
"No, we cannot do that! Tell them that I am explicitly against banning wave theory!" Lynn decisively opposed. "We are not the Church; we cannot stop the normal discussion and research of magical studies..."
"And besides... it's too late to ban it now!"
After nearly two months of disputes and the backing of different schools by prominent wizards, nearly seventy percent of the grand wizards and their schools were involved, along with those originally just watching the spectacle who had unexpectedly suffered. The dreaded 'spellcasting barrier' had made this dispute widely known.
Even if they banned wave theory publicly, they couldn't stop wizards from researching it privately. Therefore, it might be better to let them debate openly; the clash of ideas also helps break conventions.
However, Lynn also instructed Philip to reply to the council to control the intensity of the dispute slightly through public opinion, to avoid causing a large-scale bloody conflict.
It wasn't impossible; historical conflicts caused by academic disputes in the realm of magic were not few.
For instance, over twenty years ago, a debate about the origin of the fire element nearly led to a duel between two opposing schools. It was only when Alade, a grand wizard, developed the sixth-ring spell "Fire Elemental Storm" and defeated his opponent in a duel that the opponent conceded willingly.
Even in a previous life, the debate on the wave-particle nature of light had caused renowned scholars listed in textbooks to argue for three hundred years!
Ultimately, the contradiction between the two theories was almost irreconcilable when argued with common sense.
What are waves?
They are disturbances or physical quantities that propagate through space in a specific manner.
Put simply, in the eyes of wizards, these are continuous and indivisible.
Particles, however, refer to the smallest constituent units of matter that can exist freely, one by one!
This is because you cannot say something is both continuous and discrete; it's unimaginable, much like you cannot say a cat is both alive and dead...
But the microscopic world is so frustrating; you must completely abandon the so-called common sense of the macroscopic world to glimpse its mysteries.
Lynn shook his head and looked at the manuscript on his desk.
He had also conducted preliminary research and experiments in the microscopic domain, hoping to publish some of his findings. But the sudden emergence of 'spellcasting barrier syndrome' made him hesitate.
Publishing his research on quantum superposition and entanglement states could affect not just the lightning wizards, but potentially cause a massive number of elemental wizards to lose their spellcasting abilities.
That would be a real magic crisis!
Lynn was pondering this when a robust Gadell Falcon suddenly flew in through the wide-open window, perching on the desk with a white letter tied to its foot.
Lynn recognized it as a communication falcon at a glance.
Even though a network of temporary communication stations made up of patrol airships now covered the continent, allowing emergency communications nationwide within fifteen minutes, some secret messages were not suitable for this method. Many schools still maintained the tradition of using communication falcons.
Philip noticed the beautiful feather on the right side of the Gadell Falcon, marked with a lightning symbol.
"Is this symbol from Master Anthony?" Philip asked curiously, as the founder of 'Electrotherapy Induction Magic' and the proposer of the photoelectric effect had recently become very famous.
As a staunch advocate of the particle theory of light, it was shocking that he had suddenly embraced
wave theory, confusing many onlookers.
Philip leaned towards the particle theory and couldn't understand why the other had suddenly made such a radical move. Perhaps the truth lay within this letter.
Lynn then took the well-sealed letter, opened it after passing the small magic identification on the envelope, and began to read.
Anthony detailed in this letter their recent research on electric and magnetic fields, revealing that he had deciphered the fourth equation of Maxwell's equations and derived a startling fact—light is a unique electromagnetic wave.
And he had successfully created light using this method!
"No wonder..." Lynn chuckled. He could imagine Anthony's mix of breakdown and surprise at the realization that light is an electromagnetic wave, which made his sudden embrace of wave theory understandable.
Furthermore, in the letter, Anthony heavily praised Lynn's Maxwell's equations and calculus formulas, which formed the basis of his findings. He then subtly hinted at a new atomic model to explain the internal structure of elements, which might differ slightly from his previously proposed stellar orbit model...
Lynn knew this slight difference was likely a vast understatement. Anthony's purpose in writing was obviously to gauge his reaction.
Worried about opposition or even suppression, he had reached out to get Lynn's opinion first.
Lynn chuckled to himself, thought for a moment, and then began writing a reply, affirming Anthony's findings in electromagnetism and supporting his proposal for a more innovative atomic model to explain microscopic phenomena.
In the end, he carefully added, "Indeed, light and electricity possess wave-like properties, but their particle characteristics cannot be ignored either."
Curious, Philip surreptitiously glanced at the letter's content. When he saw Lynn's final sentence, his pupils dilated, his mind reeling.
Could it be that the dean actually supports wave theory?
On the other side, Lynn had already sealed the letter and tied it to the communication falcon's leg.
Seeing this, Philip hurriedly took his leave, still somewhat uneasy, and immediately tried to use electromagnetic communication magic to discuss with his friends.
However, this time the spell failed...
Philip's eyes shot open, his face pale. He suddenly realized that he could no longer sense electric charges and magnetic fields.
"It's over..." Philip murmured to himself, realizing he had also contracted the 'wave plague.'
...
Several hours later, in the City of Fire Oil, within a luxurious manor.
The two great wizards at the center of the public opinion vortex, Anthony and Jeffrey, were gathered here.
"Do you think Speaker Lynn will approve of our wave theory?" Jeffrey asked uneasily.
In his view, the biggest obstacle to wave theory was undoubtedly this star of magic!
Thanks to Anthony's photoelectric effect, which linked the two concepts, and someone's sudden idea to revamp the internal structure model of elements based on wave theory, this conflicted seriously with some of Lynn's magical theories.
Jeffrey was also helpless and somewhat doubtful about the decision to let Anthony join the wave school.
After all, the council was considering awarding Lynn a second Morning Star Medal to commend his outstanding contributions in the fields of elements and optics.
At such a crucial time, to intervene and claim that the star of magic's research was incorrect was infuriating for anyone.
Jeffrey had no doubt that Speaker Lynn could silence his painstakingly researched wave theory with just a word, given his significant influence in the field of magic.
Freefall law, universal gravitation, light speed measurement, Coriolis effect... In recent years, the rapid development of magical studies had relied entirely on various theories proposed by this star of magic, and these theories had almost never been wrong before!
"Hopefully," Anthony replied hesitantly, his photoelectric theory being derived from Maxwell's equations.
Since he could conceive that light is an electromagnetic wave, the one who gave him the formula, Lynn, should also be able to conceive it.
Although he said this, Anthony's heart was not entirely confident, as persuading an authoritative figure in magical studies to admit his research was wrong and to give up a readily available honor was not an easy task.
As he worried, a sharp cry echoed above the manor, and Anthony looked up to see his messenger falcon returning.
"Quick, take a look!" Jeffrey was also very eager. As the Gadell Falcon had just landed, he hurriedly urged Anthony to check the letter.
Anthony's movements were swift as well. After breaking the protective magic placed on it, he opened the letter and read it for a while, his expression gradually shifting from solemn to relaxed.
"How is it?" Jeffrey asked.
"It's settled!" Anthony's single statement calmed Jeffrey's anxious heart, and he casually handed over the letter.
Jeffrey took it, scrutinized it briefly, and upon seeing the last sentence 'Light and electricity indeed have certain wave-like properties,' a smile appeared on his face.
As for the latter part of the sentence, Jeffrey didn't pay much attention. After all, one couldn't expect the star of magic to admit on the letter that his elemental model
was wrong, right? There had to be some face-saving involved.
In fact, that Speaker Lynn openly acknowledged wave theory at all was entirely beyond Jeffrey's expectations!
"I told you before, Speaker Lynn is very open-minded. He isn't the type to stubbornly adhere to his own views and surreptitiously sabotage opposing theories," Anthony said, smiling.
He remembered that this star of magic had repeatedly stated publicly that he welcomed anyone to refute his magical theories with rigorous experimental results.
Jeffrey chuckled bitterly. Everyone knows how to say the right things, but his wave theory had faced many obstacles in the council. Most council members were staunch supporters of the particle school; if not for Anthony's sudden defection, their situation would be even more difficult now!
"Master Jeffrey!" A disciple gently knocked and entered, interrupting their conversation, then respectfully reported, "We've just received a notice from the council. This year's academic seminar will be held half a month earlier."
"It seems the council can't wait any longer!" Anthony raised an eyebrow, but it made sense. More than half of the Thunder Wizards had lost their ability to sense charges, leaving the council presidents with no choice but to hurry.
Jeffrey nodded slightly. It was time to end this long-standing dispute.
Whatever they called it, wave plague or particle imbalance syndrome...
...
Two weeks swiftly passed since the shocking news that Anthony, a key figure in particle theory, had suddenly switched to wave theory. The entire magical kingdom's public opinion had strangely calmed down.
This was naturally because the council had intensified the scrutiny of newspapers. Like before, the mudslinging battles could no longer be published openly in major newspapers. To publish points on optics and electrics, one needed rigorous logical deduction or experimental proof.
This caused a significant drop in newspaper sales, making the editors of various major newspapers sigh in frustration.
However, this calm was merely superficial. The dispute continued in the shadows, with both schools accumulating power, preparing to utterly refute their opponents at this year's academic seminar...
As these undercurrents surged, September quietly arrived, and countless wizards from across the continent flocked to the capital, ready to participate in the most grand academic event in history!
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