by irradiating beryllium with alpha particles emitted by the radioactive gas radon, obtained from radium. The neutrons induced reactions in the target's nuclei resulting in the generation of other elements, often radioactive isotopes. A key discovery, partly by chance, was that neutrons slowed down by hydrogen nuclei were far more likely to be captured by the nuclei. Five of the Boys patented this idea, which was crucial in harnessing nuclear power, but the long-delayed financial reward was only modest. On the theoretical side, the work of Ettore Majorana and Fermi advanced the understanding of the structure of the atomic nucleus and the forces acting within it. In 1933 and 1934 they published the fundamental theory of beta decay. The work on neutron-induced radioactivity involved a degree of cooperation unusual at the time, and the later papers had five authors. The roles were not strictly delineated, but D'Agostino was the specialist chemist, Amaldi was responsible for the electronics, and Segrè obtained the elements to be irradiated. The working atmosphere involved a camaraderie and playfulness exemplified by the nicknames bestowed on one another. Fermi was "Il Papa" (the Pope), because of his infallibility. Rasetti, his right-hand man, was "Cardinal Vicario". Even higher in this ecclesiastical hierarchy, the nickname of Corbino was "Padreterno" (God Almighty), for his ability to miraculously generate funds and positions. Majorana was "Il Gran Inquisitore" (The Grand Inquisitor), because of his critical manner. Segrè's judgemental disposition earned him the nickname "Basilisco" after the legendary Basilisk. Amaldi was "Fanciulletto" (young boy) because of his cherubic face. Pontecorvo was "Cucciolo" (puppy dog). Another key component of the collaborative atmosphere was the masterful impromptu talks that Fermi delivered every afternoon on topics of interest to their research. The group disperses By 1935 the group had dispersed with only Fermi and Amaldi continuing work together: Rasetti was away for a year in the U.S.; Segrè had a professorship in Palermo, D'Agostino had a job elsewhere in Rome, Pontecorvo was in Paris. Majorana had become reclusive and in 1938 would disappear in unexplained circumstances. Subsequently, the Italian racial laws caused further emigration. (Segrè and Pontecorvo were Jewish, as was Fermi's wife.) On 6 December 1938, Fermi left Rome with his family for Stockholm to receive the Nobel Prize, and from there they emigrated permanently to the U.S. D'Agostino and Amaldi were the only ones who remained in Italy. After the war, Fermi's and Segrè's