Mathematical and Physical Papers

A six-volume collection of the scientific papers of Lord Kelvin (1824–1907), one of Britain's most eminent mathematical physicists.

William Thomson (Author)

9781108028998, Cambridge University Press

Paperback / softback, published 30 June 2011

488 pages, 75 b/w illus. 4 tables
21.6 x 14 x 2.8 cm, 0.61 kg

William Thomson, first Baron Kelvin (1824–1907), is best known for devising the Kelvin scale of absolute temperature and for his work on the first and second laws of thermodynamics, though throughout his 53-year career as a mathematical physicist and engineer at the University of Glasgow he investigated a wide range of scientific questions in areas ranging from geology to transatlantic telegraph cables. The extent of his work is revealed in the six volumes of his Mathematical and Physical Papers, published from 1882 until 1911, consisting of articles that appeared in scientific periodicals from 1841 onwards. Volume 2, published in 1884, includes articles from the period 1853–1856, and puts a special emphasis on the issue of the development of electric telegraphy. Also included is Thomson's Bakerian Lecture on the electro-dynamic qualities of metals.

64. On the mutual attraction and repulsion between two electrified spherical conductors
65. Remarques sur les oscillations d'aiguilles non cristalisées de faible pourvoir inductif paramagnétique ou diamagnétique
66. On the mechanical energies of the solar system
67. Note on the possible density of the luminiferous medium and on the mechanical value of a cubic mile of sunlight
68. Aperçu sur des recherches relatives aux effets des courants électriques dans des conducteurs inégalement échauffés, et à d'autres points de la thermo-électricité
69. On mechanical antecedents of motion, heat, and light
70. Elementary demonstrations of propositions in the theory of magnetic force
71. On the magnetic medium and on the effects of compression
72. Compendium of the Fourier mathematics for the conduction of heat in solids, and the mathematically allied physical subjects of diffusion of fluids, and transmission of electric signals through submarine cables
73. On the theory of the electric telegraph
74. On the electro-static capacity of a Leyden phial and of a telegraph wire insulated in the axis of a cylindrical conducting sheath
75. On peristaltic induction of electric currents in submarine telegraph wires
76. Letters on 'Telegraphs to America'
77. On practical methods for rapid signalling by the electric telegraph
78. On the electric conductivity of commercial copper of various kinds
79. Analytical and synthetical attempts to ascertain the cause of the differences of electric conductivity discovered in wires of nearly pure copper
80. Remarks on the discharge of a a coiled electric cable
81. Velocity of electricity
82. Extract from article 'Telegraph' of Nichol's Cyclopaedia
83. On the true and false discharge of a coiled electric cable
84. On the forces concerned in the laying and lifting of deep-sea cables
85. On signalling through submarine cables
86. On the effects of mechanical strain on the thermo-electric qualities of metals
87. On the use of observations of terrestrial temperature for the investigation of absolute dates in geology
88. On the electric qualities of magnetized iron
89. On the thermo-electric position of aluminium
90. On the origin and transformations of motive power
91. On the electro-dynamic qualities of metals
Appendix.

Subject Areas: History of science [PDX]