George Gray by John Goodby

Abstract

A seminal scientific contribution that engenders a paradigm shift in the way in which we view the world may be measured by (1) the changes induced in the methods in which scientists and engineers prosecute their research and development programmes, and/or (2) the changes to common words and phrases used in languages across the world. George Gray’s discovery and engineering of stable, room temperature, nematic liquid crystals led directly to the creation of the current liquid crystal display industry and the introduction of new expressions to all languages, etc., thereby fulfilling both of the above-mentioned criteria. His work has touched the lives of most people and provides a superb example of nano- and micro-engineering of materials.

Keywords:

• liquid crystals
• biography
• history
• polymers