Newsletter for Saturday 27 March.

Click to open this Newsletter in your browser

TODAY IN SCIENCE HISTORY

NEWSLETTER • 27 MARCH

Feature for Today

On 27 Mar 1829, the Zoological Society of London received a Royal Charter from George IV. It became Britain’s first scientific zoo. By 1831, the royal menagerie had been presented by King William IV to the society. In 1847, the general public were first admitted as paying visitors to provide funding for the zoo. More history of the zoo can be read in this article on the Zoological Society of London written for its Centenary.

Book of the Day

On 27 Mar 1863, Henry Royce was born. Today's book pick is: The Magic of a Name: The Rolls-Royce Story Part One: The First Forty Years, by Peter Pugh. The book begins with the meeting of Henry Royce and Charles Rolls in May 1904, and describes the historical development of the company they formed. At the outset of World War I, Royce turned to the production of a reliable engine for aviation. Thus began the name associated today with prestigious cars and jet engines.

It is available from Amazon, typically about New from $27.66. Used from $2.99. (As of earlier time of writing - subject to change.)

Quotations for Today

	Had we lived, I should have had a tale to tell of the hardihood, endurance and courage of my companions which would have stirred the heart of every Englishman. These rough notes and our dead bodies must tell the tale, but surely, a great rich country like ours will see that those who are dependent on us are properly provided for. [Final words in a 'Message to the Public' left written in his diary dated 25 March 1912, shortly before he died on the Ross Ice Barrier, Antarctica. When searchers found his body, on 12 Nov 1912, Scott was discovered sitting upright against the pole of the tent with the diary behind his head, as if for a pillow.] — Robert Falcon Scott, English explorer (died c. 27 Mar 1912).
	All great scientists have, in a certain sense, been great artists; the man with no imagination may collect facts, but he cannot make great discoveries. — Karl Pearson, English mathematician (born 27 Mar 1857).
	Strive for perfection in everything you do. Take the best that exists and make it better. When it does not exist, design it. Accept nothing nearly right or good enough. — Sir Henry Royce, English industrialist (born 27 Mar 1863).

Quiz

Before you look at today's web page, see if you can answer some of these questions about the events that happened on this day. Some of the names are very familiar. Others will likely stump you. Tickle your curiosity with these questions, then check your answers on today's web page.
Births
	Wilhelm Conrad Röntgen, born 27 Mar 1845, received the first Nobel Prize for Physics in 1901. What was the discovery for which he was recognized?
Deaths
	A Russian cosmonaut (1934-1968) was the first man to travel in space. The Soviet Vostok 1 spacecraft in which he traveled on 12 Apr 1961 orbited the Earth once in 1 hour 29 minutes at a maximum altitude of 187 miles (301 km). He was 27 years old, and this was his only trip into space, after which he trained other cosmonauts. His early death, seven years later, resulted from the crash of his jet aircraft while on a routine training flight. Can you name this first man in space?
	A British chemist and physicist (1842-1923) studied low-temperature phenomena, for which he designed a double-walled vacuum flask that continues to be known by his name. What is the name of this scientist.
Events
	On 27 Mar 1933, a new plastic was discovered by Reginald Gibson and Eric William Fawcett, which became one of the earliest plastics to come into common use. It was discovered by accident while reacting ethylene and benzaldehyde at high pressure. What plastic was discovered by Gibson and Fawcett?
	On 27 Mar 1855, Abraham Gesner received the first U.S. patent for a process to obtain a certain oil product from bituminous shale and cannel coal. The light volatile liquid obtained was popular for the purpose of illumination as a fuel in lamps. What name did he give to this fuel?

Answers

When you have your answers ready to all the questions above, you'll find all the information to check them, and more, on the March 27 web page of Today in Science History. Or, try this link first for just the brief answers.

Fast answers for the previous newsletter for March 26: Heat as a liquid form of matter • washing machine • Cadillac • the moon orbits an asteroid (Ida) • Dr. Jonas Salk.

Feedback

If you enjoy this newsletter, the website, or wish to offer encouragement or ideas, please send feedback by using your mail reader Reply button.

Your click on a Facebook, StumbleUpon, or other social button on the site webpages is also a welcome sign of appreciation. Thank you for using them.

Copyright

To find citations for quotations go to the corresponding webpage by clicking on the “quotes” balloon icon. Sources for the thumbnails appear on today’s webpage with the corresponding item.

© This newsletter is copyright 2020 by todayinsci.com. Please respect the Webmaster's wishes and do not put copies online of the Newsletter — or any Today in Science History webpage. (If you already have done so, please remove them. Thank you.) Offline use in education is encouraged such as a printout on a bulletin board, or projected for classroom viewing. Online, descriptive links to our pages are welcomed, as these will provide a reader with the most recent revisions, additions and/or corrections of a webpage. For any other copyright questions, please contact the Webmaster by using your mail reader Reply button.

--
If you do not want to receive any more newsletters, Unsubscribe

To update your preferences and to unsubscribe visit this link