The correspondence principle (1918-1923), edited by J. Rud Nielden

The Correspondence Principle was formulated by Niels Bohr between 1918 and 1923 as a crucial bridge between classical physics and the burgeoning field of quantum mechanics. During this period, Bohr sought to reconcile the success of classical electrodynamics for large-scale systems with the discrete, quantized nature of atomic transitions. The principle posits that quantum physics must replicate classical predictions in the limit of large quantum numbers, serving as a heuristic guide for physicists attempting to understand the behavior of light and electrons at the atomic level.

This volume represents a scholarly collection of the foundational papers and correspondence defining this conceptual framework. Edited by J. Rud Nielden, the work contextualizes Bohr's innovative approach during his tenure at the Institute for Theoretical Physics in Copenhagen. By framing the development of the principle within the exchange of ideas among his contemporaries, Nielden highlights how Bohr’s commitment to internal consistency helped establish the framework that would eventually lead to the broader adoption of quantum theory, receiving recognition for its rigor in historical scientific documentation.