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Preface

This book arose out of a one-semester class for non-science majors that I taught at Tulane University in Fall 2016. None of the students had taken any college level physics, and some had studied no physics even in high school. While it is fair to say that the course challenged the students, all 33 of them passed the class, thereby demonstrating their adequate grasp of quantum theory. I therefore know from experience that anyone can learn quantum theory with the proper guidance. And so I have written this book for all who wish to learn this subject, to be used either as a college textbook or by individual readers who wish to improve their own understanding of physics.

I owe a special debt of gratitude to Dr. Jim McGuire, who as Chair of the physics department of Tulane invited me to do a doctorate in physics, to Dr. Lev Kaplan, my doctoral advisor, whose cheerful patience made every one of our meetings a delight, and to Dr. John Perdew, who as my quantum mechanics professor inspired a deep love for the subject in me. It is seldom that one meets such brilliant physicists who are also men of genuine compassion with a total commitment to their students. It is a matter of pride and honor for me to call them my friends.

I am particularly grateful to my wife Shyla who gave her full support to my decision to pursue a career in science and embraced the challenges that accompanied that decision. It is with much love that I dedicate this book to Shyla and to our three children Melinda, Jessica and Peter who have accompanied me, whether they like it or not, in my quest for the ultimate realities of the universe.

Basil S. Davis

New Orleans, 2020.