A quantum of history

TL;DR

This paper critically examines the historical claims about the development of pilot wave theory, challenging previous assertions and clarifying the actual historical record of de Broglie and Bohm's contributions.

Contribution

It provides a detailed historical analysis that refutes prior claims about the origins and development of pilot wave theory in quantum physics.

Findings

Key claims about pilot wave theory history are unsupported by primary sources

The association of de Broglie with first-order laws and Bohm with second-order laws is historically unfounded

The paper clarifies the true historical contributions of de Broglie and Bohm

Abstract

With reference to primary sources it is shown that key claims made regarding the history of the pilot wave theory in Quantum Theory at the Crossroads are not supported by the historical record. It is also argued that the association of de Broglie with just a first-order law of particle motion, and Bohm with a second-order one, has no historical basis.