Alexander Prokhorov
Australian-born Soviet physicist Aleksandr Mikhailovich Prokhorov was born on 11 July 1916 (as Alexander Michael Prochoroff) in Peeramon, Queensland.
For his pioneering work on lasers and masers, Prokhorov shared the 1964 Nobel Prize in Physics with fellow Soviet Nikolay Basov and American Charles H. Townes.
Theodore Maiman
American physicist Theodore Harold Maiman was born on 11 July 1927.
Maiman is widely credited with the invention of the laser. In the 1960s, he developed, demonstrated, and patented a laser using a pink ruby medium.
Johan Wallerius, founder of agricultural chemistry
Swedish chemist and mineralogist Johan Gottschalk Wallerius was born on 11 July 1709.
Wallerius is considered the founder of agricultural chemistry. His 1761 work Agriculturae fundamenta chemical, a thesis on the role of chemistry in the development of agriculture, established the idea that the chemical composition of both the plants and the soil were to be comparatively studied.
Gottschalk studied mathematics, physics and medicine, and after graduating established a course in chemistry that allowed students in pharmacy and chemistry to witness demonstrations and practice themselves with the experiments.
Originally published by Cosmos as July 11: Alexander Prokhorov, Theodore Maiman, Johan Wallerius; lasers, masers, and soil chemistry
Chuck Smeeton
Chuck Smeeton is Chief Operating Officer of the Royal Institution of Australia.
Read science facts, not fiction...
There’s never been a more important time to explain the facts, cherish evidence-based knowledge and to showcase the latest scientific, technological and engineering breakthroughs. Cosmos is published by The Royal Institution of Australia, a charity dedicated to connecting people with the world of science. Financial contributions, however big or small, help us provide access to trusted science information at a time when the world needs it most. Please support us by making a donation or purchasing a subscription today.
