A Brief Account of Radio-Activity

A scientific publication written in the early 20th century. This book serves as a comprehensive introduction to the field of radioactivity, shedding light on its historical development, properties, and implications within chemistry and physics. Venable, a professor of chemistry, aims to provide readers—especially those with a background in sciences—a clearer understanding of radioactivity without delving too deeply into complex mathematical theories. In this treatise, Venable discusses pivotal discoveries, beginning with Henri Becquerel's initial observation of natural radioactivity and extending to the identification of elements like radium and polonium by Pierre and Marie Curie. The book outlines the various types of radiations emitted by radioactive materials—alpha, beta, and gamma rays—describing their properties, behaviors, and interactions with matter. He also emphasizes the significance of radioactivity in altering established chemical theories, particularly in relation to atomic structure and the periodic system. Through this work, Venable provides insights into the fundamental nature of matter, demonstrating how the field has expanded our understanding of atomic interactions and the underlying principles of chemistry.