The Thomsons of Belfast: Mathematics, Engineering and Invention in the Family of Lord Kelvin

Saturday 18 February, 2:15 pm - 4:30 pm

Suitability: 18+

Free. Booking Recommended

William Thomson (Lord Kelvin), born in Belfast, was one of the most famous natural philosophers of the Victorian age, contributing to thermodynamics, electricity and magnetism, and developing inventions and technological applications. William’s older brother James, was Professor of Engineering at Queen’s College Belfast before joining William at Glasgow University, and their father, James Thomson Snr, taught mathematics at the Belfast Academical Institution before moving to Glasgow as the Chair of Mathematics, and writing popular textbooks on mathematics.
Three experts on the Thomsons (Professor Crosbie Smith, Professor Andrew Whitaker and Dr Mark McCartney) will consider their lives and contributions, placing their work in the context of both Victorian Britain and Victorian Belfast.
Please note: This venue has limited access for those with physical mobility restrictions or wheelchair users.
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Venue

The Old Museum Building
7 College Square North
Belfast BT1 6AR

Partners

British Society for the History of Mathematics, Belfast Natural History and Philosophical Society