The Work of Carlo Garosi: a Parallel History of the Discovery of Tritium

Abstract

The advent of "New Physics" at the beginning of the XX century ignited a transformative era for Nuclear Physics, characterized by a dramatic growth of its knowledge and boundaries. The existence of isotopes, the discovery of neutrons and the advancement of experimental techniques all conjured groundbreaking discoveries, where experimental physicists were at the forefront of developments. The discovery of tritium, the hydrogen isotope of mass number 3, is among the most sought-after results in the 1930s, and we present evidence of how Carlo Garosi, an Italian pharmacist, made significant yet unacknowledged contributions in 1936. By recognizing the importance of the Oliphant, Harteck and Rutherford experiment of 1934, Garosi correctly identified the heavy atom discovered as an isotope of hydrogen. This paper begins with the recapitulation of both the philosophical and scientific roots of his theory, showing how he critically engaged with older theories, such as Prout’s 19th-century atomic theory, and integrated more recent works from international sources in original ways. Garosi proposed a unique interpretation of the Periodic Table, engaging in a critical review of the notion of how Helium is a result of the fusion of 4 Hydrogen atoms, and he explains the progression from one chemical element to another in terms of interactions among hydrogen, deuterium and tritium. By revisiting this seemingly peripheral event, we underscore its broader significance as a testament to the resilience and ingenuity of scientists journeying amid rising geopolitical tensions.