The Fourteenth and Last Lanthanide

As just mentioned, thirteen lanthanides had been discovered but, according to the new knowledge of the atom, one was missing. In 1914, Moseley confirmed that there must be an element with atomic number 61 between neodymium and samarium. Where was that element in nature Astronomical studies indicated that it is present on the surface of star in the Andromeda galaxy. But all attempts to find it on earth failed. The search had to take quite different paths than had been common in the whole history of lanthanide discovery. 

2 Charles D. Coryell, Jacob A. Marinsicy and Lawrence E. Clendenin 

There was no question about the fact that Marinsky and Glendenin were the discoverers. Their superior. Professor Coryell, declined to be included in the discovery group on the grounds that he had not been active enough in the actual research work. He also pointed out that his name might distract attention from the two who really did the job. He was, however, persuaded by his co-workers, as his inspiring leadership had been of such great importance for the success of the research. 

Marinsky beat a record for element discoverers. Only one year after his bachelor degree he took his place in the discovery history of the elements. 

The whole trio, Coryell, Marinsky and Glendenin, were officially given the credit for the discovery by lUPAC at the conference in Amsterdam in 1949. On that occasion the name of element 61 was also established. 

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