Ernest Rutherford
Ines Miraka
Chemist and physicist Ernest Rutherford was born August 30, 1871, in Spring Grove, New Zealand. He was the fourth of 12 children, and the second son. His father, James, had little education and struggled to support the large family on a flax-miller’s income. Ernest’s mother, Martha, worked as a schoolteacher. At the age of 10, he was given his first science book, at Foxhill School. It was a pivotal moment for Rutherford, given that the book inspired his very first scientific experiment. He then constructed a miniature cannon, which, to his family’s surprise, promptly and unexpectedly exploded. Despite the outcome, Rutherford’s interest in academics remained unfaltering. In 1887 he was awarded a scholarship to attend Nelson Collegiate School, a private secondary school where he would board and play rugby until 1889.
In 1890 Rutherford landed another scholarship—this time to Canterbury College in Christchurch, New Zealand. His research earned him a Bachelor of Science degree in just one year’s time. During that same year, Rutherford met and fell in love with his landlady’s daughter, Mary Newton. The couple married in 1900 and later welcomed a daughter, whom they named Eileen.
While in a laboratory, Ernest met Professor J.J. Thomson and studied X-rays. That is when Rutherford discovered what is now the iconic alpha and beta radiations. He then discovered electrons and atoms within the nucleus of a cell.
Even today scientists use everything he discovered. His legacy will live on forever. Rutherford was awarded with countless honors during his career, including several honorary degrees and fellowships from organizations such as the Institution of Electrical Engineers. In 1914 he was knighted. In 1931, he was elevated to the peerage, and granted the title Baron Rutherford of Nelson. He was also elected president of the Institute of Physics that same year.
Ernest Rutherford
Chemist and physicist Ernest Rutherford was born August 30, 1871, in Spring Grove, New Zealand. He was the fourth of 12 children, and the second son. His father, James, had little education and struggled to support the large family on a flax-miller’s income. Ernest’s mother, Martha, worked as a schoolteacher. At the age of 10, he was given his first science book, at Foxhill School. It was a pivotal moment for Rutherford, given that the book inspired his very first scientific experiment. He then constructed a miniature cannon, which, to his family’s surprise, promptly and unexpectedly exploded. Despite the outcome, Rutherford’s interest in academics remained unfaltering. In 1887 he was awarded a scholarship to attend Nelson Collegiate School, a private secondary school where he would board and play rugby until 1889.
In 1890 Rutherford landed another scholarship—this time to Canterbury College in Christchurch, New Zealand. His research earned him a Bachelor of Science degree in just one year’s time. During that same year, Rutherford met and fell in love with his landlady’s daughter, Mary Newton. The couple married in 1900 and later welcomed a daughter, whom they named Eileen.
While in a laboratory, Ernest met Professor J.J. Thomson and studied X-rays. That is when Rutherford discovered what is now the iconic alpha and beta radiations. He then discovered electrons and atoms within the nucleus of a cell.
Even today scientists use everything he discovered. His legacy will live on forever. Rutherford was awarded with countless honors during his career, including several honorary degrees and fellowships from organizations such as the Institution of Electrical Engineers. In 1914 he was knighted. In 1931, he was elevated to the peerage, and granted the title Baron Rutherford of Nelson. He was also elected president of the Institute of Physics that same year.
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