This paper asks how a scientific object functions in a diplomatic context by examining the distribution of radioisotopes by the United States to Japan in 1950. In particular, it aims to shed light on some material dimensions of the diplomatic roles that a scientific object can play. With diplomacy as its main focus, this study centers on those who received the radioisotopes (Japanese scientists) as well as the diplomats at the U.S. Department of State, rather than the Atomic Energy Commission. It shows the disparity between and the partiality of the conceptions of the radioisotopes by both parties. Drawing on Karen Barad's posthumanist philosophy of science, this paper further examines some ramifications of the imported radioisotopes for the development of nuclear energy in Japan, which were not intended by U.S. diplomats nor anticipated by Japanese scientists. Highlighting the significance of these ramifications, this paper suggests expanding the scope of diplomatic studies in the history of science to include not only meanings, knowledge, and cultures embodied in objects in diplomacy, such as diplomatic gifts, but also aspects of material objects that are not susceptible to human expectations or interpretations.

中文翻译：

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科学对象与物质外交：1950年从美国运往日本的放射性同位素

本文通过研究 1950 年美国对日本的放射性同位素分布，询问科学对象如何在外交环境中发挥作用。特别是，它旨在阐明科学对象可以发挥的外交作用的某些物质维度。这项研究以外交为主要焦点，主要关注那些接受放射性同位素的人（日本科学家）以及美国国务院的外交官，而不是原子能委员会。体现了双方对放射性同位素概念的分歧和偏颇。本文借鉴 Karen Barad 的后人类主义科学哲学，进一步研究了进口放射性同位素对日本核能发展的一些影响，这些影响并非美国有意为之。外交官也没有预料到日本科学家。强调这些后果的重要性，本文建议扩大科学史中外交研究的范围，不仅包括体现在外交对象（如外交礼物）中的意义、知识和文化，还包括物质对象的各个方面。不受人类期望或解释的影响。