THE MIGHTY ATOM.

Auckland Star, Volume 55, Issue 2, 3 January 1924, Page 5

THE MIGHTY ATOM.

GIANTS IN PRISON. MARVELS OF MOLECULES. WHAT OLIVER LODGE SAYS. (Ey Cable.—Press Association. —Copyrlglt.) (Received 11.30 a.m.) LONDON, January 2, Sir Oliver Lodge, in an article in the "Empire Review," suggests a new line of research aiming at harnessing atoms ot energy by building up complex atoms from simple atoms, instead of attempting to break up complex atoms, as hitherto. He explains that when a hydrogen atom is packed into helium (whose atom is believed to consist of four hydrogen atoms) a fraction of hydrogen disappears and the liberated energy is so gigantic, that the result would put all other sources of energy to shame, ordinary. combustion due to packing atoms into molecules being a loose sort of association which gives a very small amount of energy. Xobody has yet seen matter converted into energy or vice versa, but, says Sir Oliver. "I expect some day it will be done."—(Sun.) The fascinating universe opened up in the speculations of Sir Oliver Lodge was entered by New Zealand's only worldfamed man. Sir Ernest Rutherford, who has made the science of the atom peculiarly his own. He elaborated the theor}- thai in radio activity we have atoms, breaking into infinities of atoms in consequence of the emission of rays. The dissemination of energy is so great (so Sir Ernest has inconirovcrtibiy proved) that in 2000 years radium is transformed into lead. Sir Ernest conceives a new world driven by the release of atomic energy. He proved that the atom was not Rolid at all but open. thai. a minute speck was maybe a world with its constellation —a sun of its own. its own sources of energy. His most striking results have been to break up atoms, releasing from them atoms of hydrogen, proving them to have been part erf the greater atom. He is the most skilful experimenter in existence, and has himself devised apparatus for study of the forces that may revolutionise the commercial power of the world.