“In the context of physics, 137 is equal to the integer part of the inverse of the fine structure constant ... The fine structure constant α is the key to the physicist’s quest for a Grand Unified Theory ... The number 137 has intrigued numerous prominent theoretical physicists ... All told, we believe that it is much easier, and more motivating, to remember a number that has deep significance in numerous disciplines, ... with the following terse ode to 137:

Bethe was mischievous with 137
Bohr was intrigued by 137
Born was mystified by 137
Fermi was frisky with 137
Feynman was mesmerized by 137
Heisenberg was fascinated by 137
Lederman was enchanted by 137
Pauli was consumed by 137
Turing was matched by 137”