Isotopes will be 100 on December 4th 2013.
The word first appeared in the scientific literature on December 4th 1913, when University of Glasgow radiochemist, Frederick Soddy published a letter in the journal Nature:
Although the science was Soddy's, the word itself had been suggested to him by a Glasgow doctor, Margaret Todd, partner of the pioneer of female medical education, Sophia Jex Bake.
Frederick and his wife Winifred lodged with Winifred's parents at 11 University Gardens, Glasgow. George and Emma Beilby were wealthy from his work as an industrial chemist, but were also keen advocates of women's rights, and other progressive social causes.
The event definitely took place on evening in 1913 in 11 University Gardens, but there are two slightly different accounts of how the word was suggested. The best known version, as recalled around 1950, by Soddy's colleague, Alexander (later Lord) Fleck, has it that the word was suggested over dinner one evening. However, Soddy himself towards the end of his life in the 1950s, recalled that Margaret had suggested it to him one evening in the study.
The two versions might not be mutually exclusive: maybe there was a dinner, and afterwards, conversation in the study.
One way or the other, the word "isotope" was born in this Glasgow building.
The word first appeared in the scientific literature on December 4th 1913, when University of Glasgow radiochemist, Frederick Soddy published a letter in the journal Nature:
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| The first appearance of the I-word! |
Although the science was Soddy's, the word itself had been suggested to him by a Glasgow doctor, Margaret Todd, partner of the pioneer of female medical education, Sophia Jex Bake.
Frederick and his wife Winifred lodged with Winifred's parents at 11 University Gardens, Glasgow. George and Emma Beilby were wealthy from his work as an industrial chemist, but were also keen advocates of women's rights, and other progressive social causes.
The event definitely took place on evening in 1913 in 11 University Gardens, but there are two slightly different accounts of how the word was suggested. The best known version, as recalled around 1950, by Soddy's colleague, Alexander (later Lord) Fleck, has it that the word was suggested over dinner one evening. However, Soddy himself towards the end of his life in the 1950s, recalled that Margaret had suggested it to him one evening in the study.
The two versions might not be mutually exclusive: maybe there was a dinner, and afterwards, conversation in the study.
One way or the other, the word "isotope" was born in this Glasgow building.
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