Richard Muller's Experiences with Richard Feynman: A Fascinating Journey in Physics

Richard Muller, renowned for his work in astrophysics, has shared many anecdotes about his interactions with Richard Feynman, one of the most prominent physicists of the 20th century. Their meetings, which took place during Muller's tenure at Caltech, provide a glimpse into the unique approach and engaging personality of Feynman.

First Encounters and Initial Impressions

One of the first interactions Muller recounts happened at a meeting where his wife, Rosemary, was present. From a distance, Feynman approached her in a flirtatious manner, only to be disappointed when she did not respond as he had hoped. Muller watched this scene with amusement. He noted that while Feynman was a character, he was not concerned about the outcome of the encounter.

Sharing Moments of Intellectual Exchange

Another memorable experience for Muller was their hour-long conversation during one of his physics colloquiums at Caltech. The two discussed experimental physics, with Feynman showing particular curiosity about recent Berkeley experiments. The conversation delved into the work of Muller's mentor, Luis Alvarez, whom Feynman held in high regard. Despite being a theoretical physicist, Feynman recognized Alvarez's brilliance as an experimentalist.

The Bronx Accent and a Pleasant Surprise

During Muller's talk, an intriguing incident occurred. With Feynman seated in the front row, Muller initially adopted the Bronx accent, a nod to their shared New York roots, though both were from different boroughs. After his presentation, the audience began questioning him, and when discussing the moon's gravity, one person remarked that its weak gravity could not affect humans. Muller corrected this claim, which made Feynman roar with laughter. Later, Feynman congratulated Muller on the accuracy of his response.

Correspondence and Further Encounters

Following this exchange, Muller and Feynman engaged in some brief correspondence, further exemplifying the mutual respect and intellectual curiosity between them. While their discussions likely covered science, the anecdotal nature of their interactions suggests that Feynman's stories, in particular, held great interest for Muller.

Concluding Thoughts

Both Muller and Feynman are celebrated for their contributions to physics and share several academic and pedagogical similarities, including a particular focus on simplicity as a beacon for clarity in teaching and research. The two physicists' shared first name, as well as their pedagogical and academic approaches, would have provided a fertile ground for deep and enduring discussions.

While Feynman is renowned for his anecdotes and storytelling, Richard Muller's descriptions of their encounters also highlight his multifaceted nature as both a physicist and a human being. The warm remarks and shared experiences suggest that if Richard Muller and Richard Feynman ever met, they would certainly share a rewarding exchange of ideas and stories, mirroring the spirit of intellectual camaraderie that defines their professional lives and personal interactions.