Public Figure Profiles

William Thomson

William Thomson, 1st Baron Kelvin, (26 June 1824 – 17 December 1907) was a British mathematician, mathematical physicist and engineer born in Belfast. Professor of Natural Philosophy at the University of Glasgow for 53 years, he did important work in the mathematical analysis of electricity and formulation of the first and second laws of thermodynamics, and did much to unify the emerging discipline of physics in its contemporary form. He received the Royal Society's Copley Medal in 1883, was its President 1890–1895, and in 1892 was the first British scientist to be elevated to the House of Lords.Absolute temperatures are stated in units of kelvin in his honour. While the existence of a lower limit to temperature (absolute zero) was known prior to his work, Kelvin is known for determining its correct value as approximately −273.15 degrees Celsius or −459.67 degrees Fahrenheit. The Joule–Thomson effect is also named in his honour.

He worked closely with mathematics professor Hugh Blackburn in his work. He also had a career as an electric telegraph engineer and inventor, which propelled him into the public eye and ensured his wealth, fame and honour. For his work on the transatlantic telegraph project he was knighted in 1866 by Queen Victoria, becoming Sir William Thomson. He had extensive maritime interests and was most noted for his work on the mariner's compass, which previously had limited reliability.

He was ennobled in 1892 in recognition of his achievements in thermodynamics, and of his opposition to Irish Home Rule, becoming Baron Kelvin, of Largs in the County of Ayr. The title refers to the River Kelvin, which flows near his laboratory at the University of Glasgow's Gilmorehill home at Hillhead. Despite offers of elevated posts from several world-renowned universities, Kelvin refused to leave Glasgow, remaining until his eventual retirement from that post in 1899. Active in industrial research and development, he was recruited around 1899 by George Eastman to serve as vice-chairman of the board of the British company Kodak Limited, affiliated with Eastman Kodak. In 1904 he became Chancellor of the University of Glasgow.His home was the red sandstone mansion Netherhall, in Largs, which he built in the 1870s and where he died. The Hunterian Museum at the University of Glasgow has a permanent exhibition on the work of Kelvin including many of his original papers, instruments, and other artefacts, such as his smoking pipe.

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Some of their strengths

William Thomson has many admirable traits.

Based on spiritual traditions from around the world, they are someone who can be described as Intuitive, Energetic, Imaginative, Intense, Quick-witted, Intelligent, and Passionate.

Intuitive and Imaginative

According to Mysticism’s Astrology tradition, William Thomson is someone who is a highly intuitive, creative and imaginative person who is very loyal, caring and compassionate to others. A person who is charismatic and resourceful.

Passionate and Intense

Based on Daoism’s Ba-Zi or ‘Chinese Zodiac’ tradition, people who know William Thomson well know them as someone who can be passionate, proud, and intense, like the sun or a blazing fire.

Inventive and Clever

According to Hinduism’s Jyotisha or ‘Vedic Astrology’ tradition, many would also describe William Thomson as someone who is flexible, intelligent, and quick-witted.

A person who likes to be creative, and to be recognized for their artistic talents. Who possesses intelligence, mental discipline, and ambition, and who does well in relationships and partnerships.

Wise and Deep

Based on the Mayan Tzolk’in or ‘Mayan Astrology’ tradition, William Thomson is someone who tends to have an internal innate wisdom, and who people tend to see as an "old soul".

They are also someone who is balanced, organized, and in-charge, and who loves traveling, working hard, and figuring out the patterns of things.

Traditional and Patient

According to Judaism’s Kabbalah tradition, William Thomson tends to be someone who is a patient person that is very emotional, has a very sharp memory, has an ability to understand people, and who tends to be traditional and frugal.

Some of William Thomson's challenges

While William Thomson has many strengths, nobody is perfect. They also have some challenging traits they need to manage.

For example, William Thomson can be Emotional, Self-centered, Standoffish, Hypocritical, Unfocused, Indecisive, and Arrogant.

Emotional and Standoffish

One of William Thomson's key challenges is that they are someone who can be emotional and standoffish.

William Thomson must also exercise caution as they can be short-tempered and aggressive.

Unfocused and Indecisive

William Thomson is someone who can be scattered, restless, and insensitive, be distracted by fluctuating professional interests, be a workaholic, and who can be arrogant and have difficulty accepting advice.

Sensitive and Money-oriented

Finally, William Thomson also can have mood swings, be overly sensititive, and be a bit rigid and materialistic.

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