A Force of Nature by Richard Reeves

The Frontier Genius of Ernest Rutherford

Aug 3, 2009 Philip McIntosh

It was the golden age of physics. But what exactly was an atom? Ernest Rutherford would have something to say about that.

In A Force of Nature, Richard Reeves chronicles the achievements and peculiarities of Nobel Prize-winning physicist Ernest Rutherford. The early 20th century was a busy time in physics and for physicists, and Rutherford was one of the period's greatest figures. Reeves' previous works deal with political history and biography, but he is clearly up to the job in the realm of science as well.

Ernest Rutherford of New Zealand

Rutherford was from a sparsely populated part of New Zealand. He gained his early education there and exhibited some of the traits that are often indicative of a future scientist—he was curious and liked to fiddle with things. Rutherford obtained a university degree in his home country and for a while he tried teaching. Fortunately for physics, Ernest was not well suited to the teaching profession.

Rutherford clearly showed promise, as he was awarded a scholarship that gave him the opportunity to study in England. He made the most of it, eventually gaining a professorship in Canada before moving back to England to lead a team of physics researchers at the esteemed Cavendish Laboratory at Cambridge.

Rutherford the Humanitarian

Rutherford had a reputation as a rather loud and boisterous fellow. He could often be heard bellowing the words to "Onward Christian Soldiers" when things were going well in the lab. He was sometimes quick of temper, but could be equally forgiving and humble. Rutherford saw trouble ahead as Hitler rose to power in Germany, and did more than most to speak on behalf of, and try to secure positions for, persecuted German scientists outside of Nazi Germany.

The Gold Foil Experiment and More

Although other noteworthy events in Rutherford's career are touched upon, it is his work leading to a better understanding of the subatomic structure of matter that gets the most coverage. "Rutherford's Gold Foil Experiment," as it is often referred to in school science books, is one of the best known and most frequently recounted experiments in the history of science.

Reeves entertainingly describes the events leading up to the realization that the plum pudding model of atomic structure had to be wrong, and gives proper credit to colleagues and assistants that participated in the research. It is amazing that so much was accomplished using what today seems like such primitive and dangerous equipment.

Reeves does the great physicist justice with his clear and thoughtful writing style. As is typical of this series (Great Discoveries) from Atlas Books, both the level, quantity, and detail of presentation are just right for learning most of what is important in interesting about Rutherford's life and work. A Force of Nature is an enjoyable read for anyone with a slightly more than casual interest in physics and the history of science.

References

A Force of Nature, 2008, Richard Reeves, W. W. Norton, New York, NY, ISBN 978-0-393-05750-8

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Cover of A Force of Nature	Rutherfords Gold Foil Experiment	The Rutherford Atom Model Includes a Dense Nucleus
Ernest Rutherford Worked in Canada and England	Rutherford Demanded Hard Work and Innovation