Past Years
An Autobiography

First published in 1931, this autobiography of physicist Sir Oliver Lodge is a touching account of his life and work.

Oliver Lodge (Author)

9781108052702, Cambridge University Press

Paperback / softback, published 12 July 2012

396 pages, 13 b/w illus.
21.6 x 14 x 2.2 cm, 0.5 kg

Sir Oliver Lodge (1851–1940) was a physicist instrumental in the discovery of electromagnetic waves: the basis of today's radio and X-ray technology. He came from humble beginnings. After suffering at the hands of violent masters and schoolmates during his childhood, Lodge went on to teach physics and chemistry to young women at Bedford College in London. Later, he was appointed professor of physics at the University of Liverpool, and became known for his public lectures on a vast range of topics, from the comic faults of phonographs to the medical applications of X-rays. Whether seeing the cells of a voltaic battery in a pile of plates or appreciating the enunciation of Alexander Graham Bell, Lodge had a warm enthusiasm that shines through in this touching autobiography, first published in 1931. It remains ideal for general readers as well as students in the history of science.

Preface
1. Ancestry and early days
2. Schooldays
3. Relation with other boys at school
4. Education
5. Influence of the Royal Institution
6. Later education in London
7. Reminiscences of Bedford College
8. Scientific work and friends in London
9. Personal retrospect
10. Romance
11. Influence of the British Association
12. Reminiscences of Coopers Hill and assistants and popular lectures
13. Liverpool
14. Scientific work at Liverpool
15. Scientific work at Liverpool (cont.)
16. Scientific work at Liverpool (cont.)
17. Electric waves and the beginnings of wireless
18. Other friends
19. Family life
20. Holidays
21. Side issues
22. Early experiences in psychical research
23. Psychical research
24. Further psychic adventures, and psycho-physical phenomena
25. Reminiscences of my years at the university of Birmingham
26. Birmingham friendships and recollections
27. Scientific retrospect
28. Apologia pro vita mea
Index.

Subject Areas: History of science [PDX]