These 5 Scientists Made Significant Advances All Before the Age of 22
Key Takeaways on Famous Young Scientists
- Lawrence Bragg was one of the youngest scientists to receive the Nobel Prize when he was only 22 for his research on X-ray crystallography.
- Subrahmanyan Chandrasekhar conducted research on white dwarfs at age 19, which would later win the Nobel Prize in 1983.
- Galileo Galilei discovered an accurate method to weigh the density of objects using a counterweight when he was only 19.
- Sir Isaac Newton developed calculus at the age of 19.
- Blaise Pascal created the first successful mechanical calculator around the age of 16.
It was a long-held belief in the scientific community that only younger scientists made significant advances. Having developed his theory of relativity at age 26, Einstein said, “A person who has not made his great contribution to science before the age of 30 will never do so.”
Although there have been many noted scientists in their 40s and beyond, these are five who accomplished their important discoveries at a young age.
1. Lawrence Bragg (1890-1971): One of the Youngest to Receive Nobel Prize
At 25 years old, Australian scientist Lawrence Bragg became one of the youngest people to receive a Nobel Prize, although his groundbreaking research began when he was only 22. In 1915, he and his father were jointly awarded the Nobel Prize in physics for their work in X-ray crystallography, according to the Nobel Prize. His research revealed that X-rays are diffracted based on the crystal’s atomic structure.
X-ray crystallography scientific equipment (Lawrence Bragg’s research).
(Image Credit: Gregory A. Pozhvanov/Shutterstock)
The area of X-ray crystallography continues to impact the fields of chemistry, physics, and medicine — and is still used to study crystalline atoms, according to a study published in Molecular Pathology. Building on Bragg’s work, other scientists have been awarded Nobel Prizes for their use of X-ray crystallography in their research.
2. Subrahmanyan Chandrasekhar (1910-1995): White Dwarf Research Later Wins Nobel Prize
You may not know the name, but Subrahmanyam Chandrasekhar was a brilliant Indian-American scientist. An astrophysicist, his research at 19 years old eventually led to a Nobel Prize many years later, in 1983, according to NASA. During his research, it was known that stars eventually became unstable, collapsed in on themselves, and became what is known as a “white dwarf.”
Life cycle of low-mass stars, including white dwarfs.
(Image Credit: Veronika By/Shutterstock)
Chandrasekhar discovered that white dwarfs must have a mass of 1.4 or less than the sun’s mass. They become a neutron star or a black hole if it’s higher, according to the University of Chicago. The point at which a star’s end product is determined is called “The Chandrasekhar Limit.”
3. Galileo Galilei (1564-1642): Discovered Hydrostatic Balance at Age 19
Galileo contributed much to the world of science; one of his most important achievements was improving the telescope and becoming the first person to study space with it. This led to his discovery that craters existed on the moon.
Galileo Galilei.
(Image Credit: slavantonov/Shutterstock)
But one of his most important scientific contributions occurred when he was 19. Galileo developed an accurate method to weigh the density of objects using a counterweight. His discovery — hydrostatic balance — has current applications in astrophysics, gemology and atmospheric modeling, according to The Journal of Gemmology.
Read More: Yes, Galileo Actually Said That
4. Sir Isaac Newton (1643-1727): Developed Calculus
Although best known for the concept of gravity — which he discovered at only 23 years old — Sir Isaac Newton impacted scientific innovation in additional ways.
Sir Isaac Newton.
(Image Credit: slavantonov/Shutterstock)
At 19, he developed calculus, which was a new approach to math at the time. And in his mid-20s, he had two major scientific breakthroughs. He invented the first reflecting telescope, using a mirror. He also significantly advanced the field of physical optics, according to Florida State University.
Using a prism, he ascertained the composition of white light (sunlight) and discovered the color “spectrum,” — a word he created. Newton’s book Principia, which detailed the three laws of motion, is considered one of the greatest scientific works ever written.
Read More: 5 Eccentric Facts About Isaac Newton
5. Blaise Pascal (1623-1662): Created the First Mechanical Calculator
Known to be a prodigy in math and science, Blaise Pascal showed remarkable intellect from early childhood. At 16 years old, he published a mathematical treatise. A few short years later — to aid his father’s work as a tax collector — Pascal created the first successful mechanical calculator. He called it the “Pascaline,” which was a predecessor to what eventually became the modern computer.
Blaise Pascal.
(Image Credit: slavantonov/Shutterstock)
He was also instrumental in fluid mechanics, creating Pascal’s Law, according to NASA. His research in this area led him to create the syringe and establish the foundation for the hydraulic press.
Read More: Nobel Prize Snubs: 5 People Who Deserve Recognition
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