William Thomson Kelvin was born on June 26, 1824, in northern Ireland. He died on December 17, 1907, in Scotland. He was also known as Sir William Thomson, Baron William Thomson Kelvin of Largs, and Lord Kelvin. He was the son of James Thomson, a professor of engineering and mathematics at Belfast. Thomson was a major influence in the fields of physics and engineering during his time. His work on thermodynamics, electricity, and magnetism helped form the basis of modern physics.

Thomson's accomplishments were probably due, in part, to his personality. He was an active man, seeking answers and excitement and finding no rest until his curiosity was satisfied. He enjoyed traveling and rowing. He even risked his own life more than once while assisting in the laying of the first transatlantic cable. Thomson began his education at Glasgow, where he received numerous university awards. The professor of natural philosophy at the...