While the new mechanics did indeed give us a whole new framework for doing physics, there is more continuity with the old framework than meets the eye. This talk will tell the story of the development of quantum mechanics from Planck, Einstein, Bohr and others to Heisenberg, Schrödinger, Dirac and others in a way that does justice to both continuous and discontinuous elements. To do so, it will use building metaphors such as using a scaffold to erect an arch or combining different styles to build a cathedral to describe the genesis of quantum mechanics. The talk will be based on a series of drawings by a professional illustrator, showing the gradual construction of the highly non-classical cathedral of quantum mechanics. 

Based on joint work with Anthony Duncan

With drawings by Laurent Taudin