Page "Pauli effect" Paragraph 1

Since the 20th century, the work of physics research has been divided between theorists and experimentalists ( see scientific method ).

Only a few physicists, such as Enrico Fermi, have been successful in both roles.

Lacking an aptitude or interest in experimental work, many theorists have earned a reputation for accidentally breaking experimental equipment.

Pauli was exceptional in this regard: it was said that he was such a good theorist that any experiments would self-destruct simply because he was in the vicinity.

For fear of the Pauli effect, the experimental physicist Otto Stern banned Pauli from his laboratory in Hamburg despite their friendship.