William Thomson, Lord Kelvin

Biographical notes:

William Thomson, Lord Kelvin (1824-1907), scientist and inventor, studied at Glasgow University from 1834, before entering Peterhouse, Cambridge, in 1841, where he was a Fellow, 1846-1856 and 1872-1907. He was Professor of Natural Philosophy in Glasgow, 1846-1899; president of the mathematical and physical section of the British Association at Glasgow, 1876; and Chancellor of Glasgow University, 1904. He helped to found the firm Kelvin&White, Ltd, Glasgow, which he used to manufacture his inventions. Thomson was made a Fellow of the Royal Society in 1851, and served as its President from 1890 to 1894. He was knighted in 1866, and created a baron in 1892. Between 1851 and 1854 he formulated the two great laws of thermodynamics, equivalence and transformation. In 1853 he developed the theory of electric oscillations, which was to form the basis of wireless telegraphy, and in 1866 he superintended the laying of a cable across the Atlantic.

Lord Kelvin's sister, Elizabeth (1819-1896), married the Revd Dr David King (1806-1883).

From the guide to the William Thomson, Lord Kelvin: Family Letters, 1836-1906, (Cambridge University Library, Department of Manuscripts and University Archives)