Geoscience Reference
In-Depth Information
out wide-ranging measurements of the levels of radioactivity in ter-
restrial materials. He launched into this research with gusto, and
produced a pioneering book Radioactivity and Geology on the subject
in 1909 inwhich he documented the quantities of radiumand thorium
in a wide range of terrestrial materials, rocks and minerals as well as
seawater. Most materials contained some traces of radioactive ele-
ments. Paradoxically he did not seem to realise the indirect effect
that the new studies would have on his oceanic sodium chronology
which too would soon be dead in the water. Nevertheless Joly's work
on radium did have a beneficial side effect. With a Dublin doctor,
Walter Clegg Stevenson (1876-1931), he established the Radium
Institute at the Royal Dublin Society in 1914, which specialised in
treating cancer patients. Their 'Dublin method' was the first to utilise
radiumemanation (radon) enclosed in hollowneedles in the treatment
of tumours, and this method is still used today in some procedures.
Joly was very proud of this work. In the context of geochronology,
however, his work with the Radium Institute is a minor, albeit inter-
esting digression.
THE FARMER'S SON FROMNEWZEALAND
Ernest Rutherford was probably the prime mover in the study of radio-
activity. Second of twelve children, he was born on 30 August 1871
in the small town of Bridgewater, near Nelson in New Zealand, to
recently arrived emigrants from England. For a time it seemed likely
that he would follow his father into his trade of wheelwright, or
possibly turn his hand to farming. However, the course of his life
changed when the bright boy won a scholarship to Canterbury
College, Christchurch, and from there another to Cambridge. He
very nearly did not get the chance, but the student who was ranked
first in the examination decided to remain at home and get married.
On being told of his success Rutherford who was lifting potatoes at
home is said to have exclaimed 'That's the last potato I'll dig!' In
Cambridge he came under the influence of J. J. Thomson and there
he began research on radioactivity, and the understanding of geology
