arXiv:1009.1711physics.gen-ph
The fine structure constant and numerical alchemy
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Abstract
We comment on past and more recent efforts to derive a formula yielding the fine structure constant in terms of integers and transcendent numbers. We analyse these "exoteric" attitudes and describe the myths regarding α, which seems to have very ancient roots, tracing back to Cabbala and to medieval alchemic conceptions. We discuss the obsession for this constant developed by Pauli and the cultural "environment" in which such an "obsession" grew. We also derive a simple formula for α in terms of two numbers π and 137 only. The formula we propose reproduces the experimental values up to the last significant digit, it has not any physical motivation and is the result of an alchemic combination of numbers. We make a comparison with other existing formulae, discuss the relevant limits of validity by comparison with the experimental values and discuss a criterion to recover a physical meaning, if existing, from their mathematical properties.
I have never seen a physicist put that particular number on a wall (these days, the cosmological constant would be a better bet). I am vaguely aware of numerological attempts (some collected in [1]) to "explain" why 137 is "special", none of which has ever led anywhere. As far…
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