“In the early days of atomic physics [before quantum field theory revealed the true meaning of the fine structure constant to be the strength of the coupling between the electron and photon], it was thought to have a value so close to being precisely 1/137 that numerologists started to establish cultish associations with the number 137.” Quantum PhysicsHistory Of ScienceFine Structure ConstantHistory Of PhysicsAtomic Physics Book:Deep Down Things: The Breathtaking Beauty of Particle Physics Source: Deep Down Things: The Breathtaking Beauty of Particle Physics