Max Planck's Nobel Lecture discusses the genesis and development of the quantum theory, focusing on his research into the distribution of energy in the normal spectrum of radiating heat. He describes his initial attempts to explain this phenomenon using classical physics, which
ultimately proved unsuccessful, and the subsequent development of the quantum theory. He then explores the implications of the quantum of action, including its application to specific heat, electron impacts, and atomic theory. Planck concludes by acknowledging the limitations of the current quantum theory and emphasizing the need for further research to achieve a more complete understanding of this fundamental concept.