Degrees throw light on Rutherford’s life

By SONIA ROBINSON*

Ernest Rutherford probably didn't expect his wife to give away his degrees when he died, much less have them made into lampshades.

But the parchment works of art, made by a neighbour of Lady Rutherford after the death of New Zealand's most famous scientist, are now among hundreds of mementoes featured in an exhibition celebrating his life and achievements -- part of the ignite2001 festival.

Presented by the Roadshow Trust, the exhibition, in Auckland's Aotea Centre, recalls the life of Rutherford through historic objects, multimedia and interactive displays.

Beginning in Christchurch in July 2000, the exhibition has toured throughout the South Island and is due to travel to Wellington's Te Papa museum in September.

Visitors to the exhibition are able to view some of the 36 medals awarded to Rutherford and absorb details of his scientific work, including the Gold Foil experiment, which resulted in the first evidence of the nuclear atom.

Quotes from friends and colleagues of Rutherford give glimpses into his character and habits.

"He says he smokes because it keeps him from doing too much work and thinking too hard," said David Florance in 1910.

There's a sign "Talk Softly Please", which was hung in his lab to remind him that his booming voice could often upset his sensitive scientific equipment.

And in the multimedia age, it's even possible for visitors to split the atom in a computer game.

* The author is a journalism student at Auckland University of Technology.

Feature: ignite2001 festival

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