William (Lord Kelvin) Thomson is recognized as the premier scientific mind of the nineteenth century, and perhaps the greatest thinker since Isaac Newton (1642-1727). He originated new schools of thought in physics, thermodynamics, electronics, and mathematics. He was knighted in 1866 for his work in salvaging the first telegraph cable to span the Atlantic, became wealthy enough to own a 126-ton yacht and an estate, and in 1892 was made Baron Kelvin of Largs.

Thomson was born in Belfast, Ireland, in 1824. The son of a respected mathematician, he was quickly recognized as a child prodigy. When his father was given a professorship at the University of Glasgow, William (then a mere eight years old) would attend lectures. At age 10 he entered the University of Glasgow (as did his 11-year-old brother, James), finishing second in his class. While still in his teens he pursued his graduate degrees at Cambridge and Paris--his...