Several days later Beria came to the laboratory for a special demonstration of the new reactor. He stood at the control panel while Kurchatov raised the control rod. The clicks that registered the neutrons increased in frequency until they became a continuous wail, while the indicator on the galvanometer moved off the scale. The scientists present exclaimed, “It’s started.” But Beria, with evident disappointment, said, “Is that all? Nothing more? Can I go to the reactor?” Kurchatov stopped him, telling him that it would be dangerous for his health. The start-up of the reactor was far less
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