Lawrence Bragg

Lawrence Bragg was born on March 31, 1890, in North Adelaide, South Australia. He was the first son of William Henry Bragg, a physicist and later Nobel laureate, and Gwendoline Todd. This marked the beginning of a life that would be influential in the development of X-ray crystallography, a field that Lawrence Bragg would come to revolutionize.

On November 11, 1912, Lawrence Bragg presented the foundational equation known as Bragg's Law, which explains how X-rays are diffracted by crystal lattices. This significant contribution laid the groundwork for the study of crystal structures using X-ray diffraction, a method that became pivotal in determining the structures of many biological molecules.

In 1915, at the age of 25, Lawrence Bragg, along with his father William Henry Bragg, was awarded the Nobel Prize in Physics for their services in the analysis of crystal structures by means of X-rays. This made Lawrence Bragg the youngest recipient of the Nobel Prize in Physics to date. Their work and methodologies formed the basis for the future study of crystallography.

In 1937, Lawrence Bragg became the director of the National Physical Laboratory in Teddington, London. His tenure there was marked by significant advancements in physical research and instrumentation. He brought a renewed focus on the application of scientific research to solve industrial problems, fostering a closer relationship between science and industry.

Lawrence Bragg returned to Cambridge in 1941 to take up the position of Cavendish Professor of Physics. Under his leadership, the Cavendish Laboratory evolved into a leading center for crystallography research, culminating in the discovery of the structures of numerous complex biological molecules over the following decades.

In 1948, Lawrence Bragg published 'Atomic Structure of Minerals', a seminal work that expanded on his earlier studies of the atomic structures of crystals. The book provided detailed insights into the arrangement of atoms in various minerals, enhancing the understanding of their properties and behaviors. It became a crucial text for students and researchers in the field of mineralogy and crystallography.

In 1954, Lawrence Bragg was appointed as the Master of Trinity College, Cambridge, one of the most prestigious positions in academia. During his time as Master, he played an integral role in promoting scientific research and education. His leadership and advocacy greatly influenced the direction of scientific inquiry and education at one of the world's leading universities.

Lawrence Bragg was knighted in 1962 in recognition of his outstanding contributions to science, especially in the field of X-ray crystallography. This was a testament to his influence and accomplishments in advancing the understanding of crystal structures, which had far-reaching implications in various scientific disciplines, including chemistry, physics, and biology.

Sir Lawrence Bragg passed away on July 1, 1971, in Ipswich, England. His death marked the end of an era in the field of crystallography, where his pioneering work in X-ray diffraction had dramatically transformed scientific understanding. He left behind a legacy of innovation and a profound impact on the scientific community.

Posthumously published in 1975, 'The Development of X-ray Analysis' is a comprehensive work authored by Lawrence Bragg that documents the evolution of X-ray analysis techniques. The book delves into the breakthroughs in X-ray crystallography, highlighting Bragg's pioneering contributions that laid the groundwork for future generations of scientists in this critical field.