Radium and the Secret of Life

Radium and the Secret of Life

Author: Luis A. Campos

Publisher: University of Chicago Press

Published: 2016-07-05

Total Pages: 387

ISBN-13: 022641874X

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Long before the hydrogen bomb indelibly associated radioactivity with death, many chemists, physicists, botanists, and geneticists were excited thinking that radium held the key to the secret of life. Luis Campos examines the many and varied connections between early radioactivity research and understandings of vitality, both scientific and popular, in the first half of the twentieth century. As some physicists and chemists early on described the wondrous new element and its radioactive brethren in lifelike terms ( decay, half-life, and frequent reference to the natural selection and evolution of the elements), many biologists of the period eagerly sought to bring radium into the biological fold. They did so with experiments aimed at elucidating some of the most basic phenomena of life, including metabolism and mutation, and often saw in these phenomena properties that in turn reminded them of the new element. These initially provocative links between radium and life proved remarkably productive in experimental terms and ultimately led to key biological insights into the origin of life, the nature of mutation, and the structure of the gene. "Radium and the Secret of Life" traces the half-life of this connection between the living and the radioactive, while also exploring the approach to history that emerges when one follows a trail of associations that, asymptotically, never quite disappears."


Book Synopsis Radium and the Secret of Life by : Luis A. Campos

Download or read book Radium and the Secret of Life written by Luis A. Campos and published by University of Chicago Press. This book was released on 2016-07-05 with total page 387 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: Long before the hydrogen bomb indelibly associated radioactivity with death, many chemists, physicists, botanists, and geneticists were excited thinking that radium held the key to the secret of life. Luis Campos examines the many and varied connections between early radioactivity research and understandings of vitality, both scientific and popular, in the first half of the twentieth century. As some physicists and chemists early on described the wondrous new element and its radioactive brethren in lifelike terms ( decay, half-life, and frequent reference to the natural selection and evolution of the elements), many biologists of the period eagerly sought to bring radium into the biological fold. They did so with experiments aimed at elucidating some of the most basic phenomena of life, including metabolism and mutation, and often saw in these phenomena properties that in turn reminded them of the new element. These initially provocative links between radium and life proved remarkably productive in experimental terms and ultimately led to key biological insights into the origin of life, the nature of mutation, and the structure of the gene. "Radium and the Secret of Life" traces the half-life of this connection between the living and the radioactive, while also exploring the approach to history that emerges when one follows a trail of associations that, asymptotically, never quite disappears."

Radium and the Secret of Life

Radium and the Secret of Life

Author: Luis Andrés Campos

Publisher:

Published: 2006

Total Pages: 966

ISBN-13:

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Book Synopsis Radium and the Secret of Life by : Luis Andrés Campos

Download or read book Radium and the Secret of Life written by Luis Andrés Campos and published by . This book was released on 2006 with total page 966 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt:

Half Lives

Half Lives

Author: Lucy Jane Santos

Publisher: Simon and Schuster

Published: 2021-07-06

Total Pages: 336

ISBN-13: 1643137492

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The fascinating, curious, and sometimes macabre history of radium as seen in its uses in everyday life. Of all the radioactive elements discovered at the end of the nineteenth century, it was radium that became the focus of both public fascination and entrepreneurial zeal. Half Lives tells the fascinating, curious, sometimes macabre story of the element through its ascendance as a desirable item – a present for a queen, a prize in a treasure hunt, a glow-in- the-dark dance costume – to its role as a supposed cure-all in everyday twentieth-century life, when medical practitioners and business people (reputable and otherwise) devised ingenious ways of commodifying the new wonder element, and enthusiastic customers welcomed their radioactive wares into their homes. Lucy Jane Santos—herself the proud owner of a formidable collection of radium beauty treatments—delves into the stories of these products and details the gradual downfall and discredit of the radium industry through the eyes of the people who bought, sold and eventually came to fear the once-fetishized substance. Half Lives is a new history of radium as part of a unique examination of the interplay between science and popular culture.


Book Synopsis Half Lives by : Lucy Jane Santos

Download or read book Half Lives written by Lucy Jane Santos and published by Simon and Schuster. This book was released on 2021-07-06 with total page 336 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: The fascinating, curious, and sometimes macabre history of radium as seen in its uses in everyday life. Of all the radioactive elements discovered at the end of the nineteenth century, it was radium that became the focus of both public fascination and entrepreneurial zeal. Half Lives tells the fascinating, curious, sometimes macabre story of the element through its ascendance as a desirable item – a present for a queen, a prize in a treasure hunt, a glow-in- the-dark dance costume – to its role as a supposed cure-all in everyday twentieth-century life, when medical practitioners and business people (reputable and otherwise) devised ingenious ways of commodifying the new wonder element, and enthusiastic customers welcomed their radioactive wares into their homes. Lucy Jane Santos—herself the proud owner of a formidable collection of radium beauty treatments—delves into the stories of these products and details the gradual downfall and discredit of the radium industry through the eyes of the people who bought, sold and eventually came to fear the once-fetishized substance. Half Lives is a new history of radium as part of a unique examination of the interplay between science and popular culture.

The Radium Girls

The Radium Girls

Author: Kate Moore

Publisher: Sourcebooks, Inc.

Published: 2017-04-18

Total Pages: 585

ISBN-13: 1492649368

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A New York Times, USA Today, Wall Street Journal, and Amazon Charts Bestseller! For fans of Hidden Figures, comes the incredible true story of the women heroes who were exposed to radium in factories across the U.S. in the early 20th century, and their brave and groundbreaking battle to strengthen workers' rights, even as the fatal poison claimed their own lives... In the dark years of the First World War, radium makes gleaming headlines across the nation as the fresh face of beauty, and wonder drug of the medical community. From body lotion to tonic water, the popular new element shines bright. Meanwhile, hundreds of girls toil amidst the glowing dust of the radium-dial factories. The glittering chemical covers their bodies from head to toe; they light up the night like industrious fireflies. With such a coveted job, these "shining girls" are the luckiest alive — until they begin to fall mysteriously ill. And, until they begin to come forward. As the women start to speak out on the corruption, the factories that once offered golden opportunities ignore all claims of the gruesome side effects. And as the fatal poison of the radium takes hold, the brave shining girls find themselves embroiled in one of the biggest scandals of America's early 20th century, and in a groundbreaking battle for workers' rights that will echo for centuries to come. A timely story of corporate greed and the brave figures that stood up to fight for their lives, these women and their voices will shine for years to come. Written with a sparkling voice and breakneck pace, The Radium Girls fully illuminates the inspiring young women exposed to the "wonder" substance of radium, and their awe-inspiring strength in the face of almost impossible circumstances. Their courage and tenacity led to life-changing regulations, research into nuclear bombing, and ultimately saved hundreds of thousands of lives...


Book Synopsis The Radium Girls by : Kate Moore

Download or read book The Radium Girls written by Kate Moore and published by Sourcebooks, Inc.. This book was released on 2017-04-18 with total page 585 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: A New York Times, USA Today, Wall Street Journal, and Amazon Charts Bestseller! For fans of Hidden Figures, comes the incredible true story of the women heroes who were exposed to radium in factories across the U.S. in the early 20th century, and their brave and groundbreaking battle to strengthen workers' rights, even as the fatal poison claimed their own lives... In the dark years of the First World War, radium makes gleaming headlines across the nation as the fresh face of beauty, and wonder drug of the medical community. From body lotion to tonic water, the popular new element shines bright. Meanwhile, hundreds of girls toil amidst the glowing dust of the radium-dial factories. The glittering chemical covers their bodies from head to toe; they light up the night like industrious fireflies. With such a coveted job, these "shining girls" are the luckiest alive — until they begin to fall mysteriously ill. And, until they begin to come forward. As the women start to speak out on the corruption, the factories that once offered golden opportunities ignore all claims of the gruesome side effects. And as the fatal poison of the radium takes hold, the brave shining girls find themselves embroiled in one of the biggest scandals of America's early 20th century, and in a groundbreaking battle for workers' rights that will echo for centuries to come. A timely story of corporate greed and the brave figures that stood up to fight for their lives, these women and their voices will shine for years to come. Written with a sparkling voice and breakneck pace, The Radium Girls fully illuminates the inspiring young women exposed to the "wonder" substance of radium, and their awe-inspiring strength in the face of almost impossible circumstances. Their courage and tenacity led to life-changing regulations, research into nuclear bombing, and ultimately saved hundreds of thousands of lives...

Romancing the Atom

Romancing the Atom

Author: Robert R. Johnson

Publisher: Bloomsbury Publishing USA

Published: 2012-08-03

Total Pages: 305

ISBN-13:

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This book presents a compelling account of atomic development over the last century that demonstrates how humans have repeatedly chosen to ignore the associated impacts for the sake of technological, scientific, military, and economic expediency. In 1945, Albert Einstein said, "The release of atomic power has changed everything except our way of thinking ... the solution to this problem lies in the heart of mankind." This statement seems more valid today than ever. Romancing the Atom: Nuclear Infatuation from the Radium Girls to Fukushima presents compelling moments that clearly depict the folly and shortsightedness of our "atomic mindset" and shed light upon current issues of nuclear power, waste disposal, and weapons development. The book consists of ten nonfiction historical vignettes, including the women radium dial painters of the 1920s, the expulsion of the Bikini Island residents to create a massive "petri dish" for post-World War II bomb and radiation testing, the government-subsidized uranium rush of the 1950s and its effects on Native American communities, and the secret radioactive material development facilities in residential neighborhoods. In addition, the book includes original interviews of prominent historians, writers, and private citizens involved with these poignant stories. More information is available online at www.romancingtheatom.com.


Book Synopsis Romancing the Atom by : Robert R. Johnson

Download or read book Romancing the Atom written by Robert R. Johnson and published by Bloomsbury Publishing USA. This book was released on 2012-08-03 with total page 305 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: This book presents a compelling account of atomic development over the last century that demonstrates how humans have repeatedly chosen to ignore the associated impacts for the sake of technological, scientific, military, and economic expediency. In 1945, Albert Einstein said, "The release of atomic power has changed everything except our way of thinking ... the solution to this problem lies in the heart of mankind." This statement seems more valid today than ever. Romancing the Atom: Nuclear Infatuation from the Radium Girls to Fukushima presents compelling moments that clearly depict the folly and shortsightedness of our "atomic mindset" and shed light upon current issues of nuclear power, waste disposal, and weapons development. The book consists of ten nonfiction historical vignettes, including the women radium dial painters of the 1920s, the expulsion of the Bikini Island residents to create a massive "petri dish" for post-World War II bomb and radiation testing, the government-subsidized uranium rush of the 1950s and its effects on Native American communities, and the secret radioactive material development facilities in residential neighborhoods. In addition, the book includes original interviews of prominent historians, writers, and private citizens involved with these poignant stories. More information is available online at www.romancingtheatom.com.

Radioactive!

Radioactive!

Author: Winifred Conkling

Publisher: Algonquin Books

Published: 2018-02-20

Total Pages: 239

ISBN-13: 1616206411

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The fascinating, little-known story of how two brilliant female physicists’ groundbreaking discoveries led to the creation of the atomic bomb. In 1934, Irène Curie, working with her husband and fellow scientist, Frederic Joliot, made a discovery that would change the world: artificial radioactivity. This breakthrough allowed scientists to modify elements and create new ones by altering the structure of atoms. Curie shared a Nobel Prize with her husband for their work. But when she was nominated to the French Academy of Sciences, the academy denied her admission and voted to disqualify all women from membership. Four years later, Curie’s breakthrough led physicist Lise Meitner to a brilliant leap of understanding that unlocked the secret of nuclear fission. Meitner’s unique insight was critical to the revolution in science that led to nuclear energy and the race to build the atom bomb, yet her achievement was left unrecognized by the Nobel committee in favor of that of her male colleague. Radioactive! presents the story of two women breaking ground in a male-dominated field, scientists still largely unknown despite their crucial contributions to cutting-edge research, in a nonfiction narrative that reads with the suspense of a thriller. Photographs and sidebars illuminate and clarify the science in the book.


Book Synopsis Radioactive! by : Winifred Conkling

Download or read book Radioactive! written by Winifred Conkling and published by Algonquin Books. This book was released on 2018-02-20 with total page 239 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: The fascinating, little-known story of how two brilliant female physicists’ groundbreaking discoveries led to the creation of the atomic bomb. In 1934, Irène Curie, working with her husband and fellow scientist, Frederic Joliot, made a discovery that would change the world: artificial radioactivity. This breakthrough allowed scientists to modify elements and create new ones by altering the structure of atoms. Curie shared a Nobel Prize with her husband for their work. But when she was nominated to the French Academy of Sciences, the academy denied her admission and voted to disqualify all women from membership. Four years later, Curie’s breakthrough led physicist Lise Meitner to a brilliant leap of understanding that unlocked the secret of nuclear fission. Meitner’s unique insight was critical to the revolution in science that led to nuclear energy and the race to build the atom bomb, yet her achievement was left unrecognized by the Nobel committee in favor of that of her male colleague. Radioactive! presents the story of two women breaking ground in a male-dominated field, scientists still largely unknown despite their crucial contributions to cutting-edge research, in a nonfiction narrative that reads with the suspense of a thriller. Photographs and sidebars illuminate and clarify the science in the book.

Something Out of Nothing

Something Out of Nothing

Author: Carla Killough McClafferty

Publisher: Farrar, Straus & Giroux (BYR)

Published: 2006-03-21

Total Pages: 154

ISBN-13:

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Meet Manya Sklodowska, better known today as Marie Curie, the co-discoverer of radium, and who became the first woman awarded the Nobel prize for her work on the discovery. Learn what life was like for Marie, and the effect her discovery had on the world.


Book Synopsis Something Out of Nothing by : Carla Killough McClafferty

Download or read book Something Out of Nothing written by Carla Killough McClafferty and published by Farrar, Straus & Giroux (BYR). This book was released on 2006-03-21 with total page 154 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: Meet Manya Sklodowska, better known today as Marie Curie, the co-discoverer of radium, and who became the first woman awarded the Nobel prize for her work on the discovery. Learn what life was like for Marie, and the effect her discovery had on the world.

A Radiant Affair

A Radiant Affair

Author: Donald R. Maxwell

Publisher: Strategic Book Publishing & Rights Agency

Published: 2015-07

Total Pages: 361

ISBN-13: 1631352350

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History and fiction intertwine in this untold tale of Marie Curie’s love affair with physicist Paul Langevin, as seen through the eyes of Marie’s favorite graduate student, George Fournier. Intertwined in the plot, set in Paris of the early 1900s, is Fournier’s youthful infatuation with the young Marie. In his memoir, George Fournier recalls meeting the young and beautiful Marie on her arrival as a new instructor at the Sevres Lycee, where he was a student. A few years later, George does well on his final exams in physics at the University of Paris, and the now widowed Marie Curie accepts him as a graduate student in her laboratory. One day, George sees Marie scurrying to a small apartment with Paul Langevin, a brilliant young physicist who is married. An intruder into the Curie-Langevin love nest steals Marie’s letters to Paul and has them published in the Parisian press. Langevin’s wife, Jeanne, threatens Marie with violence and aggressively attempts to break up the love affair that jeopardizes her marriage and the security of their four young children. In an attempt to provide Madame Curie with protection, Professor Jean Perrin, a long-time friend of the Curies, asks George Fournier to become Marie Curie’s confidential protector, a role placing the love-struck George in a close yet secretive relationship with Marie. As far as possible, details of Marie Curie’s life and relationships, as well as information on the other major characters are historically accurate.


Book Synopsis A Radiant Affair by : Donald R. Maxwell

Download or read book A Radiant Affair written by Donald R. Maxwell and published by Strategic Book Publishing & Rights Agency. This book was released on 2015-07 with total page 361 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: History and fiction intertwine in this untold tale of Marie Curie’s love affair with physicist Paul Langevin, as seen through the eyes of Marie’s favorite graduate student, George Fournier. Intertwined in the plot, set in Paris of the early 1900s, is Fournier’s youthful infatuation with the young Marie. In his memoir, George Fournier recalls meeting the young and beautiful Marie on her arrival as a new instructor at the Sevres Lycee, where he was a student. A few years later, George does well on his final exams in physics at the University of Paris, and the now widowed Marie Curie accepts him as a graduate student in her laboratory. One day, George sees Marie scurrying to a small apartment with Paul Langevin, a brilliant young physicist who is married. An intruder into the Curie-Langevin love nest steals Marie’s letters to Paul and has them published in the Parisian press. Langevin’s wife, Jeanne, threatens Marie with violence and aggressively attempts to break up the love affair that jeopardizes her marriage and the security of their four young children. In an attempt to provide Madame Curie with protection, Professor Jean Perrin, a long-time friend of the Curies, asks George Fournier to become Marie Curie’s confidential protector, a role placing the love-struck George in a close yet secretive relationship with Marie. As far as possible, details of Marie Curie’s life and relationships, as well as information on the other major characters are historically accurate.

Radium Halos

Radium Halos

Author: Shelley Stout

Publisher: Createspace Independent Publishing Platform

Published: 2009-10

Total Pages: 0

ISBN-13: 9781497321236

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Based on a true story. In the 1920s, young women factory workers are exposed to radiation while painting glow-in-the-dark watch and clock dials with paint made from radium.


Book Synopsis Radium Halos by : Shelley Stout

Download or read book Radium Halos written by Shelley Stout and published by Createspace Independent Publishing Platform. This book was released on 2009-10 with total page 0 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: Based on a true story. In the 1920s, young women factory workers are exposed to radiation while painting glow-in-the-dark watch and clock dials with paint made from radium.

Multiple Exposures

Multiple Exposures

Author: Catherine Caufield

Publisher: University of Chicago Press

Published: 1990-04-16

Total Pages: 320

ISBN-13: 0226097854

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"Catherine Caufield has written an important book on an important topic: the history behind the safety standards limiting the effects of high energy radiation on human beings. . . . Provides an immense amount of information in a very readable form."—W. Alan Runciman, Prometheus "From fallout and radon to radioactive smoke detectors and dental X-rays, Caufield traces the proliferation of the uses of radiation in medicine, industry and the military, and in generating energy. An intelligent, non-alarmist history."—Publishers Weekly


Book Synopsis Multiple Exposures by : Catherine Caufield

Download or read book Multiple Exposures written by Catherine Caufield and published by University of Chicago Press. This book was released on 1990-04-16 with total page 320 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: "Catherine Caufield has written an important book on an important topic: the history behind the safety standards limiting the effects of high energy radiation on human beings. . . . Provides an immense amount of information in a very readable form."—W. Alan Runciman, Prometheus "From fallout and radon to radioactive smoke detectors and dental X-rays, Caufield traces the proliferation of the uses of radiation in medicine, industry and the military, and in generating energy. An intelligent, non-alarmist history."—Publishers Weekly