Author
Silvanus P. (Silvanus Phillips) Thompson
1851-1916
Silvanus P. (Silvanus Phillips) Thompson (1851-1916) is a public-domain author available on Rivro. Read free books, explore subjects, and discover related classics.
WikipediaSubjects
Books by Silvanus P. (Silvanus Phillips) Thompson
Michael Faraday, His Life and Work
"Michael Faraday, His Life and Work" by Silvanus P. Thompson is a historical account written in the late 19th century. The book explores the life and achievements of Michael Faraday, a pivotal figure in the development of electrical engineering and physics. It offers insights into his early years, education, and the significant contributions he made to science, particularly in electromagnetism and electrochemistry. The opening of the book delves into Faraday's early life, detailing his birth into a modest family and the struggles he faced. Despite a lack of formal education, Faraday displayed an insatiable curiosity for science, which was nurtured during his apprenticeship as a bookbinder. The narrative highlights the formative experiences he had, including attending lectures that would shape his scientific journey, reflecting his enduring passion for learning and discovery. This early foundation ultimately paved the way for his groundbreaking work at the Royal Institution, under the mentorship of Sir Humphry Davy.
Philipp Reis: Inventor of the Telephone A Biographical Sketch
"Philipp Reis: Inventor of the Telephone" by Silvanus P. Thompson is a biographical sketch written in the late 19th century. This work delves into the life and contributions of Philipp Reis, an often-overlooked inventor, specifically focusing on his development of early telephone technology. The book aims to both celebrate Reis's achievements and provide a fair evaluation of his contributions to communication technology without bias. The opening of the text introduces Philipp Reis’s early life, detailing his upbringing in Gelnhausen and education that fostered his interest in science and languages. It chronicles his journey from a master baker's son to a passionate inventor, highlighting key educational milestones and pivotal moments that shaped his innovative spirit. The narrative begins to weave in his experiments and vision for a device that could transmit sound over distances, ultimately leading to his invention, the "Telephon," setting the stage for the more detailed exploration of his actual work and the recognition it received—or failed to receive—in the scientific community.
Ye Magick Mirrour of Old Japan
"Ye Magick Mirrour of Old Japan" by Silvanus P. Thompson is a scholarly discourse and exploration of the significance of mirrors in Japanese culture, likely written in the late 19th century. The work investigates the mystical properties attributed to Japanese mirrors, particularly their ability to reflect intricate patterns, and delves into associated historical, cultural, and mythical narratives. At the start of the text, Thompson presents mirrors as highly revered objects in old Japan, elaborating on their symbolic importance in Shinto temples and imperial regalia. He highlights how mirrors played a role in rituals, offerings, and myths, particularly emphasizing the legend of the sun goddess Amaterasu and her enchanted mirror. The opening portion sets the foundation for a detailed exploration of the unique craftsmanship of Japanese metal mirrors and their optical phenomenon, invoking a sense of fascination with these historical artifacts.
William Gilbert, and Terrestial Magnetism in the Time of Queen Elizabeth A Discourse
"William Gilbert, and Terrestrial Magnetism in the Time of Queen Elizabeth" by Silvanus P. Thompson is a scientific publication written in the early 20th century. The book delves into the life and work of William Gilbert, an influential figure in the realm of magnetism and electricity during the late 16th century when Queen Elizabeth I ruled England. It offers an understanding of Gilbert's significant contributions to the field of terrestrial magnetism, especially his groundbreaking treatise, "De Magnete". In this discourse, Thompson outlines William Gilbert's life, noting his education, professional achievements, and his established role in the Royal College of Physicians. The text discusses Gilbert's experiments and theories surrounding the behavior of magnets, the use of the compass in navigation, and the foundational principles he laid for the field of Earth sciences. The narrative illustrates Gilbert's scientific method and the way he challenged existing beliefs concerning magnetism, ultimately leading to a more robust understanding of Earth's magnetic properties. Thompson honors Gilbert’s legacy as a pivotal figure in the shift from traditional, speculative science to a more empirical and experimental approach that would shape future scientific inquiry.