Lord Kelvin

Date of Birth: June 26, 1824

Zodiac Sign: Cancer

Date of Death: December 17, 1907

Biography

Lord Kelvin, born William Thomson, was a preeminent 19th-century physicist and engineer whose work laid the foundation for modern thermodynamics and electrical engineering. Born in Belfast on June 26, 1824, he displayed an early aptitude for mathematics and the physical sciences. At the age of 10, he entered the University of Glasgow, where he would later become a professor. His contributions to science were manifold, but he is perhaps best known for formulating the first and second laws of thermodynamics and for introducing the absolute temperature scale, now known as the Kelvin scale. His achievements in the field of electromagnetism and his role in the successful laying of the first transatlantic telegraph cable further cemented his legacy. Lord Kelvin received numerous awards and honors throughout his lifetime, including a knighthood in 1866 and a peerage in 1892, becoming Baron Kelvin of Largs. He passed away on December 17, 1907, and is buried in Westminster Abbey, a testament to his lasting impact on science and engineering.

5 Interesting Facts about Lord Kelvin

1. Lord Kelvin formulated the first and second laws of thermodynamics.

2. He introduced the absolute temperature scale, now known as the Kelvin scale.

3. He played a pivotal role in the successful laying of the first transatlantic telegraph cable.

4. He was knighted by Queen Victoria in 1866 and later became Baron Kelvin of Largs in 1892.

5. He published over 600 scientific papers and held 70 patents over his lifetime.

5 Most Interesting Quotes from Lord Kelvin

1. “To measure is to know.”

2. “If you cannot measure it, you cannot improve it.”

3. “When you can measure what you are speaking about, and express it in numbers, you know something about it.”

4. “There is nothing new to be discovered in physics now. All that remains is more and more precise measurement.”

5. “Heavier-than-air flying machines are impossible.”

Highest Net Worth Achieved

While historical records do not provide an exact figure for Lord Kelvin’s net worth, it is known that he was financially successful due to his numerous patents and consulting work, particularly in the field of telegraphy.

Children

Lord Kelvin did not have any biological children. He married Frances Anna Blandy in 1852, who passed away in 1870. He later married Margaret Crum in 1874, but the couple also did not have children.