June 4, 2004, Hour One: David Lindley's 'Degrees Kelvin'

Science Friday > Archives > 2004 > June > June 4, 2004:
Hour Two: David Lindley's 'Degrees Kelvin'

He explored the laws of thermodynamics, created a telegraph cable that could span the oceans, and is buried next to Isaac Newton. Today, however, William Thomson is mainly remembered for the scientific temperature scale that bears his 'other' name, Lord Kelvin.

Join Ira in this hour of Science Friday for a conversation with author David Lindley about the life and times of Victorian scientist Lord Kelvin, and about the connections between his work and that of other prominent thinkers of the day. Call in with your questions and comments at 1-800-989-8255 (3-4 Eastern), and share your opinions online in our Listeners' Lounge (registration required).

Guests:
David Lindley
Freelance Writer
Author, "Degrees Kelvin: A Tale of Genius, Invention, and Tragedy' (Joseph Henry Press, 2004)
Arlington, Virginia

Basil Mahon
Author, "The Man Who Changed Everything: The Life of James Clerk Maxwell" (Wiley, 2003)
London, United Kingdom

This segment produced by Charles Bergquist

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Related Links:


Kelvin, Lord William Thomson (1824-1907) -- from Eric Weisstein's World of Scientific Biography PhysicsWeb - William Thomson: king of Victorian physics Maxwell Thomson Maxwell , James (1831-1879) -- from Eric Weisstein's World of ... Victorian Science: An Overview Victorian Technology

Books/Articles Discussed:

"Degrees Kelvin: A Tale of Genius, Invention, and Tragedy" by David Lindley. Joseph Henry Press, 2004.

"The Man Who Changed Everything: The Life of James Clerk Maxwell" by Basil Mahon. Wiley, 2003.

(find books discussed on previous broadcasts)