Abstract

In the 20th century no scientist added more to our knowledge of electromagnetism in space than Hannes Alfv?n (1908?1995). His insights changed the picture of the universe, revealing the profound effects of charged particle movement at all scales of observation. But recognition never came quickly, and never easily, and mainstream journals typically regarded Alfv?n as an outsider, often rejecting his submissions. In retrospect, Alfv?n's difficulties in gaining acceptance can only highlight the inertia of institutionalized ideas in the sciences, reminding us of the obstacles faced by all of history's great scientific innovators...