Inventions and Inventors

Electron Wave Forms

A diagram showing three wave forms, or orbitals, of an electron around the nucleus of an atom. Each wave form corresponds to a different energy level of an electron. The term 'electron' was coined by physicist George Johnstone Stoney to describe a "fundamental unit of electricity." His concept suggested that the difference between gases, or their 'distinctive spectrum', lay in an electron's movement within the 'luminiferous aether' surrounding an atom.

Electron Wave Forms

Electron Wave Forms

A diagram showing three wave forms, or orbitals, of an electron around the nucleus of an atom. Each wave form corresponds to a different energy level of an electron. The term 'electron' was coined by physicist George Johnstone Stoney to describe a "fundamental unit of electricity." His concept suggested that the difference between gases, or their 'distinctive spectrum', lay in an electron's movement within the 'luminiferous aether' surrounding an atom.

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We celebrate Irish writers and artists, musicians and athletes. We should also celebrate Irish inventors - over the centuries, they have given the world many useful inventions. Our contributions range from major ones such as the steam turbine and the induction coil, to minor ones such as perforated stamps and the rug-maker's latch-hook needle.

We have produced military inventions and medical ones, as well as transport and tourism innovations. The electron was 'invented' and named by Irish physicist George Johnstone Stoney, and a new form of algebra was invented by Dublin physicist William Rowan Hamilton (quaternions). And though Ireland is not noted for its cuisine, we have also given the world several edible inventions.