Lord Kelvin

26 June 1824 – 17 December 1907

William Thomson, 1st Baron Kelvin (1824-1907), was a British mathematical physicist and engineer who formulated the absolute temperature scale that bears his name and helped establish the laws of thermodynamics. Professor of natural philosophy at the University of Glasgow for over half a century, he also played a leading role in laying the first successful transatlantic telegraph cable.

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Lived at the same time

Well-documented people whose lives overlapped with Lord Kelvin.

Life events

Born in Belfast, Ireland
26 June 1824

William Thomson was born in Belfast, the son of mathematics teacher James Thomson.

Source: en.wikipedia.org
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Family moved to Glasgow, Scotland
1833

The family relocated to Glasgow when his father was appointed professor of mathematics at the University of Glasgow.

Source: en.wikipedia.org
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Began studies at the University of Glasgow at age 10
1834

Thomson matriculated at the University of Glasgow as a young prodigy.

Source: en.wikipedia.org
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Studied at Peterhouse, Cambridge
1841 – 1845

Thomson studied mathematics at Peterhouse, Cambridge, graduating as second wrangler and first Smith's Prizeman in 1845.

Source: en.wikipedia.org
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Appointed Professor of Natural Philosophy at Glasgow
1846 – 1899

At age 22, Thomson became professor of natural philosophy at the University of Glasgow, a chair he held for 53 years.

Source: en.wikipedia.org
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Proposed the absolute temperature scale
1848

Thomson defined an absolute thermometric scale based on Carnot's theory of heat, now known as the Kelvin scale.

Source: en.wikipedia.org
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Published 'On the Dynamical Theory of Heat'
1851

Thomson's paper helped reconcile Carnot's work with Joule's, contributing to the formulation of the second law of thermodynamics.

Source: en.wikipedia.org
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Knighted for work on the transatlantic telegraph cable
1866

After the successful completion of the transatlantic cable, on which he served as electrician and scientific adviser, Thomson was knighted by Queen Victoria.

Source: en.wikipedia.org
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Ennobled as Baron Kelvin of Largs
1892

Thomson was raised to the peerage as Baron Kelvin, taking his title from the River Kelvin that flows past the University of Glasgow, becoming the first British scientist elevated to the House of Lords.

Source: en.wikipedia.org
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Died at Netherhall near Largs, Scotland
17 December 1907

Lord Kelvin died at his estate in Ayrshire and was buried in Westminster Abbey, next to the grave of Isaac Newton.

Source: en.wikipedia.org
Death ✓