William and Lawrence Bragg, Father and Son

The Most Extraordinary Collaboration in Science

By: John Jenkin

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Hardcover | 22 November 2007

At a Glance

Hardcover
476 Pages

Dimensions(cm)
24.2 x 16.6 x 3.2

Hardcover

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In 1912 Lawrence Bragg explained the interaction of X-rays with crystals, and he and his father, William thereby pioneered X-ray spectroscopy and X-ray crystallography. They then led the latter field internationally for fifty years, when most areas of science were transformed by the knowledge they created: physics, chemistry, geology, materials science, electronics, and most recently biology and medical science. This book charts how this humble pair (William English, his son Australian) rose from obscurity to international prominence and then back to current, undeserved obscurity. Attention is also given to the crucial roles of both father and son during the dreadful years of the First World War, and to William's early and unshakeable belief in the dual wave and particle natures of radiation and his eventual vindication.

Unlike earlier studies, the book highlights the intimate interactions between father and son that made their project possible, emphasizes personal, family, and wider human relationships, and offers new insights into teaching and research in a British colonial setting.

Industry Reviews

'Jenkin's masterly exposition [...] an admirable book.' Physics Word, July 2008 the level of detail especially about their personal lives shows the considerable time and effort the author took in putting together this interesting and well-written book. The book would certainly appeal to any reader interested in the history or science or the research work of William and Lawrence Bragg. The personal accounts set the book apart and give the reader a feel for who William and Lawrence were and the journeys they underwent. Scope Jenkin's exploration of Australian archives and family papers illuminates a fresh and fascinating appraisal of the braggs'science in a social context. Chemistry World, May 2008.

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