Atomic Energy is "Moonshine": What did Rutherford Really Mean?

Abstract

In the 1930s Ernest Rutherford (1871-1937) repeatedly suggested, sometimes angrily, that the possibility of harnessing atomic energy was "moonshine." Yet, as war approached he secretly advised the British government to "keep an eye on the matter." I suggest that Rutherford did not really believe his "moonshine" claim but did have profound reasons for making it. If I am correct, then this casts additional light on his personality, stature, and career. © 2010 Springer Basel AG.