1_9Scienceandscientists.docVIP

1. 9 SCIENCE AND SCIENTISTS In this section we look at a few interesting people and events from the history of science. Sir Isaac Newton 1642 - 1727 was one of the first great scientists. Many of his discoveries in physics are still useful today. His Universal Theory of Gravitation explains why things fall when they are dropped, and why the Earth goes around the sun. He was also the first to explain how sunlight and raindrops can form rainbows. Isaac Newton Carolus Linnaeus 1707 - 1778 was a Swedish doctor who was very interested in biology. He developed systems for classifying and naming animals and plants. These were published in a book called Systema Naturae in 1735. Some of the same systems, and even the same names, are still used by biologists today. John Dalton 1766 - 1844 was an English scientist. He studied the weather and discovered the cause of rain. He is best known for his Atomic Theory, which was published in 1803. His idea that everything is made of very tiny particles, called atoms, led to the development of modern chemistry. The Nobel Prizes: Alfred Nobel 1833 - 1896 was a Swedish chemist. He invented the explosive dynamite, which is still used all over the world to smash rocks in mines and quarries. Nobel made a lot of money from selling dynamite and was a rich man when he died. He left a lot of money in a special fund to reward outstanding human achievement. There are Noble Prizes every year for the best work in physics, chemistry and medicine. There are also Nobel Prizes for literature and peace . The first Nobel Prizes were given in 1901 and they are still being given today. To receive a Nobel Prize is a very great honour. Two lucky accidents: Most scientific discoveries are the result of long and patient work. However there have been a few lucky accidents; here are the stories of two. In 1896, a French scientist called Henri Becquerel found that a film he had left in a box was spoilt. At first he could not understand why. However, in