The Minerals, Metals and Materials Society surveyed their membership to rank the most important moments in materials science and engineering. A list of important moments was published in JOM (the Society's journal). Members were encouraged to vote on their top ten.
The results of the survey were revealed at the most recent Society meeting and published in the March 2007 issue of JOM. The top ten events are listed below in Rank Order.
1. 1863 Mendeleev devises the Periodic Chart
2. 3500 BC Egyptians smelt iron
3. 1948 John Bardeen et al invent the transistor
4. 2200 BC Glass invented in Iran
5. 1668 van Leeunwenhoek invents the microscope
6. 1722 Smeaton invents modern concrete
7. 300 BC Crucible steel making invented in India
8. 5000 BC Liquid copper extracted from malachite and azurite in Turkey
9. 1912 von Laue discovers that crystals diffract x-rays
10. 1856 Bessemer patents bottom-blown acid process for melting low-carbon iron
Further details on the rankings are available in the March 2007 issue of JOM. While I am a chemist, I was surprised that the Periodic Chart received top billing.
Emory Ford
Associate Director
Materials Technology Institute
12 April 2007