“The Kelvin lecture: The life and work of Lord Kelvin.” Offprint from The Smithsonian Report for 1908, pp. 745-768.
Washington, D.C. Government Printing Office, 1909. 8vo. 24 pp. FIRST EDITION. With 1 plate (portrait of Lord Kelvin). Original printed wrappers; unopened. Item #14346
First edition of the first Kelvin lecture given by Thompson on April 30, 1908. Following the death of Lord Kelvin, (1824-1907), the Kelvin Memorial Committee of the Institute of Electrical Engineers (IEE) recommended the establishment of a lecture series to be delivered annually. Thompson was president of the IEE at the time (Kelvin was president on three separate occasions, the third being at the time of his death). Some of the most distinguished British scientists have given the lecture, which is still given annually. Thompson gives a riveting talk on Kelvin’s life and accomplishments.
The following year, Thompson (1851-1916) published a two-volume biography of Kelvin. Of interest, Thompson himself has a lecture series named after him.
Price: $150.00