Anders Gustaf Ekeberg specifically, tantalite from Kimito, Finland and yttrotantalite from Ytterby, Sweden. Ekeberg named the new element after the mythical Ancient Greek demigod Tantalus who, according to legend, was condemned to eternal frustration when he had to stand in water up to his neck, but the water receded as he attempted to drink. Ekeberg suffered from poor health throughout his life. During his childhood a severe cold had impaired his hearing, which was further weakened over the years, so that it hindered his teaching activities. Subsequently, a gas explosion blinded him in one eye. Ekeberg was portrayed by his friends and students
The Last Day of a Condemned Man The Last Day of a Condemned Man The Last Day of a Condemned Man () is a short novel by Victor Hugo first published in 1829. The novel recounts the thoughts of a man condemned to die. Victor Hugo wrote this novel to express his feelings that the death penalty should be abolished. Victor Hugo saw several times the spectacle of the guillotine and was angered at the spectacle that society can make of it. It was the day after crossing the "Place de l'Hotel de Ville" where an executioner was greasing the guillotine in anticipation of a scheduled execution