Chapter 274 Famous around the World
As soon as the words fell, the scene was in turmoil. Many reporters looked at Zhang Xingjiu with ill intentions, because they had the same doubts in their hearts. Even in the 21st century, racial discrimination was rampant. Many research results made by Chinese scholars and breakthroughs made by Chinese athletes would be questioned by foreigners, let alone in the 19th century?
These Europeans have always thought that China is an uncivilized and barbaric country. Now there is a Chinese teenager who has made a breakthrough that European scientists have not made. They are unwilling to admit it from the bottom of their hearts.
Before, they were still concerned about the reputation of the Sorbonne University and Professor Lippmann, but now that Steven raised the question first, these people immediately became noisy and raised similar questions.
Professor Lippmann's face suddenly turned dark, the Curies were indignant, and the young and energetic Lang Zhiwan was even more furious and was about to curse.
Zhang Xingjiu quickly stopped them. Since they were questioning him, he should fight back. He said directly, "Oh? Are you saying that someone else made this discovery and gave the result to me? Then I have to ask, what can the Sorbonne University gain by doing this?"
He has experienced the big fights in the Internet age and learned one thing from it: never prove your innocence when encountering something, as this will only play into the hands of the enemy, so if someone questions you, just curse back.
Hearing this, other reporters immediately believed it. Yes, if other researchers at the Sorbonne University had made this achievement, they would definitely keep this honor for themselves. This was one of the most important discoveries in physics in 1896 and even in the past decade. No one would want to miss such a great honor if there was a slight possibility, right? Even the staff of the Sorbonne University felt the same way. Yes, how great would it be if such a discovery was made by the French? Unfortunately, Zhang Xingjiu was the leader from beginning to end, and they had no chance to compete at all.
Seeing that Steven had lost his temper, Zhang Xingjiu continued to press on, "I heard that the Cavendish Laboratory in Cambridge is also trying to conduct research in the field of cathode rays. Are you not happy that this achievement was made by a Chinese in a French university, so you came up with such an evil idea? Can't England afford to lose?"
"Hahahaha!" Many French people burst into laughter when they heard this. They would never miss any opportunity to laugh at the Germans and British.
"That's how the British are." Someone took the opportunity to make a fuss.
"Sir, his words can be regarded as defamation. If you sue him, I am willing to testify for you!" There were also people who wanted to make the matter as big as possible. It would be very interesting to try a British journalist on French soil.
"Mr. from England, please apologize to Mr. Zhang immediately. Otherwise, we will not rule out the use of legal means to seek justice. You should know that we also have a law department, and I believe that many law professors will be willing to provide assistance to Mr. Zhang." An administrative official of the Sorbonne University immediately stood up and said.
Zhang Xingjiu's words just now also reminded him that no matter what, this discovery was indeed made at the Sorbonne University, and it was one of the most important physical discoveries in recent years. He didn't want this discovery to be easily tainted.
Under the gaze of scholars and reporters, Steven's mouth felt dry. He did not expect Zhang Xingjiu's response to be so sharp. If this matter was not handled properly, he might have to go to court, and even England's reputation in the scientific community would be affected.
Although he was unwilling in his heart, the situation was stronger than him, so he could only bear the frustration and apologize to Zhang Xingjiu, "I'm sorry, I was too excited and didn't know how to word it well."
"Haha, this is not like Daoqin, I don't accept it." Zhang Xingjiu shook his head and sneered, "If this is your attitude, then I can only ask for help from the Law Department."
"Oh no, I was wrong! I shouldn't have raised meaningless questions about your achievements." Steven quickly changed his words, fearing that it would be too late and a lawyer would really come to sue him.
"Click!" Several clever French reporters quickly captured the scene of his apology. If such news appeared in newspapers, French readers would definitely like to read it. It is much more interesting than boring physical discoveries.
"Sir, can you give me a copy of your developed photo? I also want to publish it in American newspapers!" Upon seeing this, the reporter from the New York Times hurried over to ask for it. They would not miss such an opportunity to embarrass the British.
"No problem! You can come back to the newspaper with me later." The French reporter immediately agreed readily. When it comes to humiliating the British, the Americans and the French have always been allies on the same front.
This little episode added some extra interest to the press conference. When the reporters returned to the newspaper office, they immediately wrote articles about their discovery and published them. Many newspapers exaggerated the episode and told their readers about it.
Every word expresses the same meaning: the British lost to the Chinese and French universities in this scientific competition. This failure was so difficult for the British to accept that their reporters did such a rude thing at the press conference.
Ordinary readers were delighted to see the British being humiliated, while experts and scholars in the field of physics were greatly shocked. They were shocked by this great discovery, and even more shocked that such a discovery was made by a 17-year-old genius.
For a time, letters wanting to exchange ideas with Zhang Xingjiu were sent to the Sorbonne University like snowflakes, and several universities even invited him to give lectures to explain this great discovery to the local physics community.
Nature magazine also completed the review as quickly as possible and published the article in the last issue of the magazine in 1896, this time also as the cover article.
Now scholars can see the entire process of the experiment and the meticulous analysis process. Many physicists are impressed by Zhang Xingjiu's ingenious experimental design.
The one who reacted the most was Professor Thomson of Cavendish. He regretted seeing the first experiment because he had a similar idea in his mind, but it was a pity that he was a step late, otherwise the honor would have been his.
But now, not only did he have to endure the frustration of having someone else pluck the rich fruits first, he also had to write an open letter to congratulate Zhang Xingjiu, because if he had no reaction at all to what Steven had caused before, wouldn't that confirm the rumors of jealousy?
This big news also traveled across the ocean with the telegram to the American and Asian continents. Now physicists all over the world know the name Zhang Xingjiu.
In China, acquaintances such as Jiang Yixu, Ma Xiangbo, Fu Lan-ya, and A Zhang also learned the good news.
(End of this chapter)
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