Origins & Early Life

Louis Harold Gray FRS (10 November 1905 – 9 July 1965) was an English physicist who worked mainly on the effects of radiation on biological systems. He was one of the earliest contributors of the field of radiobiology. Amongst many other achievements, he defined a unit of radiation dosage (absorbed dose) which was later named after him as an SI unit, the gray. Gray was born as an only child on 10 November 1905 to parents Harry and Amy Gray.

Pivotal Works & Achievements

His father worked at a post office. 1933 – Hospital physicist at Mount Vernon Hospital, London 1936 – Developed the Bragg–Gray equation, the basis for the cavity ionization method of measuring gamma-ray energy absorption by materials 1937 – Built an early neutron generator at Mount Vernon Hospital 1938 – Studied biological effects of neutrons using the generator 1940 – Developed concept of RBE (Relative Biological Effectiveness) of doses of neutrons 1952 – Initiated research into cells in hypoxic tumors and hyperbaric oxygen 1953 – Oliver Scott established the British Empire Cancer Campaign Research Unit in Radiobiology at Mount Vernon Hospital with Hal Gray as director which in 1970 became the Cancer Research Campaign...

Enduring Legacy & Impact

The historical impact and works continue to influence the modern world.

Contemporary Figures & Related Historical Timelines

• Ayn Rand — Contemporary (Born in 1905) (1905): Philosopher and author known for developing the system of Objectivism.
• Bob Wills — Contemporary (Born in 1905) (1905): Pioneering Western Swing bandleader, known as the King of Western Swing.
• Bruno Rossi — Contemporary (Born in 1905) (1905): Pioneering experimental physicist known for cosmic ray research and WWII contributions.
• Albert Schweitzer — Contemporary (Died in 1965) (1965): German polymath renowned for theology, music, and 'Reverence for Life'
• Bashar al-Assad — Contemporary (Born in 1965) (1965): Former President of Syria, known for his authoritarian rule and role in the Syrian Civil War.
• Ben Stiller — Contemporary (Born in 1965) (1965): Versatile American actor, comedian, and filmmaker known for sharp wit and slapstick humor.
• Arthur Rimbaud — Shared historical date (11-10 · Died) (1891): Transgressive French poet whose work profoundly influenced modern literature and surrealism.
• Bayinnaung — Shared historical date (11-10 · Died) (1581): Emperor of the Toungoo Dynasty, who forged the largest empire in Southeast Asian history.
• Amanda Knox — Shared historical date (07-09 · Born) (1987): American author and comedian known for her highly publicized trial in Perugia, Italy.
• Amedeo Avogadro — Shared historical date (07-09 · Died) (1856): Pioneering Italian scientist known for Avogadro's law on gas volumes and molecular theory.
• 1905 Historical Timeline & Archive — Explore world events and figures from 1905
• November 10 (11-10) On This Day — Historical birthdays and events on November 10
• 1965 Historical Timeline & Archive — Explore world events and figures from 1965
• July 9 (07-09) On This Day — Historical events and memorials on July 9