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The New Zealand Railways Magazine, Volume 1, Issue 9 (February 25, 1927)

Lord Kelvin

Lord Kelvin.

Sir William Thomson (Lord Kelvin) was one of the Empire's most celebrated physicists. He was born at Belfast in 1824, and was educated at Glasgow University where he early distinguished himself for his knowledge of mathematics and physical science. His career of discovery dates from his appointment to the chair of Natural Philosophy at Glasgow University in 1846. Of his famous contributions to science may be mentioned the formulation of the two great laws of thermodynamics, the theory of electric oscillations (which forms the basis of wireless telegraphy), his invention of the mirror galvanometer, his improvement of the mariners' compass and his achievement in laying the Atlantic cable. He was knighted in 1866. Lord Kelvin was President of the British Association in 1871, President of the Royal Society in 1890–4, and also a Copley medallist of the Royal Society. He was Professor of Physics in Glasgow University for more than half a century. Raised to the peerage in 1892, he received the Order of Merit and was made a Privy Councillor in 1902, and became Chancellor of Glasgow University in 1904. Lord Kelvin had an extraordinarily fertile brain. His scientific labours have been of great value to mankind, and have earned for him an enduring place amongst the immortals. He was buried on December 23rd, 1907, in Westminster Abbey.

Lord Kelvin.

Lord Kelvin.

page 64
Royal Tour Of New Zealand.1 Invercargill (Gardens) 2 Lake Wanaka 3 The Bluff (Southernmost Port Of South Island)

Royal Tour Of New Zealand.
1 Invercargill (Gardens) 2 Lake Wanaka 3 The Bluff (Southernmost Port Of South Island)

page 65
Near the Summit, Rimutaka Incline, Wairarapa Line, North Island.

Near the Summit, Rimutaka Incline, Wairarapa Line, North Island.