See also: 1898 in science, other events of 1899, 1900 in science and the list of years in science.
Astronomy The 80 cm refracting telescope is completed at Potsdam Observatory. Chemistry Actinium discovered by Andre Debierne. Physics Ernest Rutherford classifies two types of radiation, alpha rays and beta rays. Henri Becquerel discovers that radiation from uranium consists of charged particles and can be deflected by magnetic fields. Mathematics David Hilbert creates the modern concept of geometry with the publication of his book Grundlagen der geometrie. Awards Copley Medal: Lord Rayleigh Wollaston Medal for Geology: Charles Lapworth Births January 12 - Paul Hermann Müller, chemist, winner of the Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine in 1948 (+ 1965) February 27 - Charles Best, medical scientist (+ 1978) Deaths Robert Bunsen - German Chemist, perfector of the bunsen burner. Sophus Lie - Norweigen mathematician