Oral history of British science
Rotblat, Joseph (16 of 40). National Life Stories Collection: General
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Type
sound
Duration
00:29:49
Shelf mark
C464/17
Subjects
Physics
Recording date
1999-11
Interviewees
Rotblat, Joseph, 1908-2005 (speaker, male)
Interviewers
Thompson, Katherine (speaker, female)
Abstract
Part 16: In 1949 a chair in physics became vacant in medical College - Barts. JR applied, describes interview and the difficulties and opposition to him by Dean - possibly anti Poland and reason why he thought Dean was against him. The University wanted him but the College not. University gave ultimatum and he got the job. Took up post in 1950. JR describes how he found house in London, had to accommodate mother, brother and his family and also wanted a garden. Explains why he liked Hampstead area and how friend Lachman - about whom he tells story - helped him to find house in 8 Asmara Rd - where he stills lives today. JR tells problem with house because of price, how he lost it and then back on the market and bought it cheaper. He moved in December 1949. Describes how he furnished house. Got visitors there from all over the world. Mother and brother died, niece left but sister-in-law is still looking after him, lives nearby.
Description
Nobel Peace Prize-winner and nuclear physicist Joseph Rotblat in conversation about his life and work. A key figure in the development of the atomic bomb, he left the US government's Manhattan Project once it became apparent that Nazi Germany did not have the capability to build a bomb of its own.
Related links
Visit this interviewee's page on the 'Voices of Science' web resource
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