Steering atoms toward better navigation, physicists test Newton and Einstein along the way Feb 18, 2007
Kasevich's group continues to work to refine the atomic sensors in hopes of measuring Newton's gravitational constant G beyond the level of precision at which it has been measured-a figure that has not improved much since British natural philosopher Henry Cavendish published the first measurement more than two centuries ago. "We want to add our voice to the chorus of 'What is G really?"' says Kasevich. (EurekAlert!)
How do scientists measure or calculate the weight of a planet? Dec 12, 2005
We also need the Constant of Proportionality in the Law of Universal Gravitation, G. This value was experimentally determined by Henry Cavendish in the 18th century to be the extemely small force of 6. 67 x 10-11 Newtons between two objects weighing one kilogram each and separated by one meter. (Scientific American)
Autistic activists resist the call to be 'cured' Dec 21, 2004
The neurologist Oliver Sacks contends that Henry Cavendish, for instance, the 18th-century chemist who discovered hydrogen, was probably autistic. "What they're saying is their goal is to create a world that has no people like us in it," said Jim Sinclair, who did not speak until he was 12 and whose 1993 essay "Don't Mourn for Us" serves as a touchstone for a fledgling movement. (International Herald Tribune -- Health)
More of this story Oct 2, 2004
Items collected by the Cavendish family include many surprises, such as the world's largest known uncut emerald and some scientific instruments of Henry Cavendish who discovered hydrogen. The exhibition begins with the present duke and, like layers of an archeological dig, each successive room reveals the previous generation. (Patriot Ledger, MA)
Facts about nearly everything Jun 15, 2004
He describes how Henry Cavendish, the 18th-century physicist instrumental in measuring the density of the Earth, was so shy that he communicated with his housekeeper by letter; Carl Linnaeus, the Swedish naturalist, named weeds after scientists who crossed him; and how the first diving helmet was designed in 1823 by the Englishman Charles Deane, not for diving but for fire-fighting, though the "smoke helmet" proved to be unpopular because of its tendency to cook heads. He also underlines what... (Google News UK -- Technology)
