Recollections and Reflections

Abstract

Manchester-born Sir Joseph John Thomson (1858–1940), discoverer of the electron, was one of the most important Cambridge physicists of the later nineteenth and first half of the twentieth centuries. Succeeding Lord Rayleigh as Cavendish Professor of Experimental Physics, he directed the research interests of the laboratory, and eight of his students, including Rutherford, went on to win Nobel Prizes, as Thomson himself did in 1906. He was knighted in 1908, received the Order of Merit in 1912, and became Master of Trinity College in 1918. He also served as President of the Royal Society from 1915 from 1920 and was a government advisor on scientific research during World War I. This autobiography, published in 1936, covers all aspects of his career - his student days in Manchester, arrival in Cambridge, and growing international reputation. It gives a fascinating picture of Cambridge life and science at a dynamic period of development.

J. J. Thomson goes to America

“…Quickly identified as a "foreigner" and challenged about the cylinders by customs officials, Thomson was unable to convince the inspectors that his trip was legitimate, as they had not heard of Princeton University. With their refusal to allow his baggage through, J. J. Thomson asked to speak to a supervisor who, recognizing his colleagues' ignorance and Thomson's stature in the scientific community, promptly cleared them to travel [1].…”

“…Thomson was unsure how to address the man and was reminded of Booker Washington's practice of referring to his fellow African-American's as "uncle." Thomson felt uncomfortable using this term himself, so he decided to address the man instead as "Professor" [1].…”

“…Thomson was born in suburban Manchester in England on December 18, 1856 and lived with his family in Plymouth Grove. He was born in an era where there were no bicycles, no motor cars, no telephones, no radio (wireless), no electric light, and "no germs, at least none recognized by the doctors" [1]. His great-grandfather Ebenezer Thomson hailed from Scotland, and ran a small bookselling business in Cheetham near where J. J. Thomson was later born.…”

“…Joseph had intended for his eldest son to be an engineer, but the long waiting list for apprentices to Sharp-Stewart and Company, a firm of locomotive makers, led him to send his son to Owen's College. Here he was taught English, Latin, history, and mathematics [1]. He was also introduced to natural history, aided by a microscope his father had given him, having become very interested in nature [1].…”

“…Here he was taught English, Latin, history, and mathematics [1]. He was also introduced to natural history, aided by a microscope his father had given him, having become very interested in nature [1]. In later life, Thomson confessed he would have been a botanist if he had his life over.…”