The Radioactive Boy Scout Chapter Summary

Introduction In “The Radioactive Boy Scout”, by Ken Silverstein, a small town boy-named David Hahn-dives into the experimental world of not only chemistry but nuclear engineering. In this atomic novel the reader delves deep into the world of a child prodigy and the tale of nuclear romance. This radioactive account of a boy’s journey from small town chemist to a star-crossed engineer is nothing short of explosive.
Key Idea 1 In the early chapters of the book David Hahn was found mixing various chemicals around the house into his mother's ashtray, and after a lengthy introduction of how his father and mother met we return to David and learn of his interest into the world of machines and of his mechanical pursuits. This was perhaps the start of his endeavors, breaking down tape players and printers would eventually lead to his attempt of breaking down elements and compounds. Much like in chemist, David was interested on how things reacted to each other and what things looked like on the most basic level. This is the foundation of chemistry as well as of David's “career”.
Key Idea 2 David has access to many books on chemistry and of the elements, such as The Golden Book of Chemistry, by Robert Brent, as well as Modern Chemistry,
Even from its discovery atomic research has been filled with doubt and danger where every massive breakthrough has resulted in fear its potential. The radioactive age began in 1869 when Wilhelm Roentgen discovered X-rays, being the first practical application of a radioactive invention. (Silverstein, 31) In 1898, the Curies discovered the element of Radium and from then on America would never be the same. Radium found its way into paint, candles, and eye washes. In 1938; however, Otto Hahn-a German chemist and physicist-fired neutrons at uranium atoms and succeeded in splitting an atom for the first time, this event would ultimately change the entire course of human