Silvanus Phillips Thompson

British physicist and historian
Feedback
Corrections? Updates? Omissions? Let us know if you have suggestions to improve this article (requires login).
Thank you for your feedback

Our editors will review what you’ve submitted and determine whether to revise the article.

Quick Facts
Born:
June 19, 1851, York, Yorkshire, Eng.
Died:
June 12, 1916, London (aged 64)
Subjects Of Study:
X-ray

Silvanus Phillips Thompson (born June 19, 1851, York, Yorkshire, Eng.—died June 12, 1916, London) was a British physicist and historian of science known for contributions in electrical machinery, optics, and X rays. He received both a B.A. (1869) and a D.Sc. (1878) from the University of London and was a popular teacher at University College, Bristol (1876–85), and at the City and Guilds Technical College, Finsbury (1885–1916). While teaching, Thompson contributed to the development of electric dynamo machines and radiotelegraphy. Thompson was a prolific lecturer and writer on a wide range of scientific and technical subjects. Among his many works ...(100 of 149 words)