History of Solid State and Condensed Matter Physics

Solid state physics, the branch of physics focused on the physical properties of solid matter, emerged in the mid-20th century as physics grew and diversified, both conceptually and professionally. The study of solids and other condensed materials rapidly came to represent the largest subdivision of physics, and developed an ambivalence about its name, leading some to prefer condensed matter physics and others to migrate toward materials science. Investigations of the history of these fields have generated crucial insights into the interaction between science and technology, the prestige politics of science, and the relationship between science and the state. In addition, historical work tracing how the work of understanding and manipulating solids and condensed matter has evolved reveals the importance of categorization practices in shaping the development of modern science.