Birth of Leo Szilard
Birth of Leo Szilard, researched nuclear fission
Historical biography archive · Updated 2026-11-03
Leo Szilard Biography and Timeline
Follow Leo Szilard through 9 dated historical records for Hungary.
Leo Szilard, historical timeline
A chronological timeline drawn from matching World History Database records.
9Distinct records
1 of 1Page
1898–1942Years on this page
1898
1933
Neutron Chain Reaction Concept
Conceives a neutron-driven nuclear chain reaction after reading about Rutherford comments on atomic energy.
1934
Szilard-Chalmers Effect
With Thomas Chalmers, demonstrates neutron-induced recoil as a method for separating radioactive products.
Neutron Chain Reaction Patent
Files patent claims describing neutron multiplication and a self-sustaining nuclear chain reaction.
1939
Einstein-Szilard Letter
Drafts a letter warning Roosevelt about uranium weapons.
Role range: 1898-1964
Neutron Chain Reaction Feasibility Studied
Leo Szilard pursued experiments on neutron production and absorption with researchers at Columbia University. Its practical implications extended beyond the initial application.
Uranium Neutron Multiplication
With collaborators at Columbia, measures neutron multiplication from uranium and advances chain-reaction studies.
1942
Chicago Pile-1 Chain Reaction
Participates in the Chicago Pile-1 experiment proving a controlled self-sustaining neutron chain reaction.
First Nuclear Chain Reaction
A uranium and graphite pile achieves the first self-sustaining nuclear chain reaction.
Records, sources and methodology
These dates and descriptions come from the historical_events database. Exact duplicate records have been collapsed. Names are grouped by the country, Name 2 and Name 1 fields; records with missing Name 2 cannot be reliably assigned to an individual biography. Check the underlying sources before formal citation.