I never showed much promise at what in my day were called 'Science' lessons but it now seems that I may have shown an unlikely streak of genius, aged around 14. I asked the Master how they knew there were only 111 elements - I mean, they could stumble on another one, surely?
Don't start causing trouble, Hedges, came the reply; it has been scientifically proved that there can't be any more.
So I was delighted to see that No.112 has been added to the list, and will be called Copernicus, after the 16th century Polish astronomer. So now there can be Copernicate acid and Copernicus dioxide and the cartoon characterish Copernicus Chloride. And who knows what else is out there? Makes it all far more exciting.
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