Newsletter for Tuesday 27 August

TODAY IN SCIENCE HISTORY NEWSLETTER - 27 AUGUST

Book of the Day

On 27 Aug 1901, when Ernest Lawrence died (too soon, at age 57), he left a scientific world much different than the one in which he began. He changed it. He was certainly one of the greatest of America's early 20th century physicists. His name is on a U.S. National Laboratory to memorialize his achievements in the building of the first atom-smashers. [BOOK INFO] who reveals more than you probably knew before about this many-sided genius. His important discoveries included creating technetium, the first artifically produced element. But he also pursued practical applications for the atom-smashers, too, such as making radioactive phosphorus and other isotopes for medical use, including radioactive iodine for the first medical treatment of hyperthyroid conditions. Further, he was the first to use neutron beams in treating cancer. In other fields, he invented the first atomic clock. But his greatest work was the development of the particle accelrators, for which he received the Nobel Prize in Physics. Definitely a scientist worth knowing more about. It is available New from $212.34. Used from $24.14. (As of time of writing.). For picks from earlier newsletters, see the Today in Science Science Store home page.

Quotations for Today
	Although I am primarily an experimental physicist, theoretical physics is my hobby. - Norman Ramsey, American physicist (born 27 Aug 1915).
	The disaster was caused neither by carelessness nor human failure. Unknown natural factors that we are still unable to explain today have made a mockery of all our efforts. The very substance intended to provide food and life to millions of our countrymen and which we have produced and supplied for years has suddenly become a cruel enemy for reasons we are as yet unable to fathom. It has reduced our site to rubble. From the memorial service for the hundreds of people killed by the explosion of the ammonia fertilizer factory at Oppau, Germany. At the time, the explosive nature of ammonium nitrate was not understood. - Carl Bosch, German industrial chemist (born 27 Aug 1874).
	The day when the scientist, no matter how devoted, may make significant progress alone and without material help is past. This fact is most self-evident in our work. Instead of an attic with a few test tubes, bits of wire and odds and ends, the attack on the atomic nucleus has required the development and construction of great instruments on an engineering scale. - Ernest Orlando Lawrence, American physicist (died 27 Aug 1958).

Quiz
Before you look at today's web page, see if you can answer some of these questions about the events that happened on this day. Some of the names are very familiar. Others will likely stump you. Tickle your curiosity with these questions, then check your answers on today's web page.
Births
	Carl Bosch, born 27 Aug 1874 was a German industrial chemist who developed the Haber-Bosch process for an important high-pressure synthesis. He was awarded the 1931 Nobel Prize for Chemistry What is the product of the Haber-Bosch process? From what substances is it made?
Deaths
	Ernest Orlando Lawrence (1901-1958) was an American physicist, winner of the 1939 Nobel Prize for Physics for his invention of the first particle accelerator to achieve high energies. What was this first high energy particle accelerator called?
	Sir Rowland Hill (1795-1879) was an English educator and inventor who originated the modern postal service. He introduced the first adhesive postage stamp in 1840. What was the price of the first stamp?
Events
	On 27 Aug 1962, the United States launched the Mariner 2 space probe. Which planet was mission of this probe?
	On 27 Aug 1859, Colonel Edwin L. Drake drilled the first successful oil well in the United States. The drilling had reached 69 feet, 6 inches when a dark film floating on the water below the derrick floor was noticed. In which state was this oil well drilled?

Answers

When you have your answers ready to all the questions above, you'll find all the information to check them, and more, on the August 27 web page of Today in Science History. Or, try this link first for just the brief answers. Fast answers for the previous newsletter for August 26: polio • Montgolfier • During the French Revolution, for his involvement with tax-collecting, he was guillotined. • Charles Lindbergh • Antony van Leeuwenhoek • Niagara Falls • Krakatoa, or Krakatau (in Indonesian)

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