Speaker: Prof. Gerry Lander

Abstract

From  the  discovery  of  the  neutron  (1932)  to  the  first  demonstration  of  controlled  fission  (1942) was just ten years; a period that took physics from an occupation of a small number of  eccentric  gentlemen  and  (even  fewer)  ladies  to  something  of  concern  to,  and  funding decisions of, Governments all over the world. The shadows of those tumultuous years are still with us, for better or worse.

This talk will recount those ten years through the lives of James Chadwick (1891-1974) and  Lise  Meitner  (1878-1968),  contemporaries  who  played  pivotal  roles  in  the  events, even though, partly because of their retiring personalities, they are often overshadowed by "larger" figures.