List of the papers and correspondence of SILVANUS PHILLIPS THOMPSON F R S

A description of the books does not come within the scope of this list, but they include a first edition of the 'De Magnete' of William Gilbert, and the beautiful facsimile translation of this work, produced for Gilbert's tercentenary by Professor Thompson and his fellow members of the Gilbert Club.

The Imperial College is most grateful to Miss Thompson for this generous gift.

Jeanne Pingree

College Archivist

March, 1967.

Miss Helen G. Thompson, one of the four daughters of the Professor, presented his correspondence, some valuable items from his famous library, and a number of his own publications, to the Imperial College, in 1962.

Professor Thompson was a student of the Royal College of Chemistry from 1875 - 1876, and the first Principal, and Professor of Applied Physics and Electrical Engineering, at the Finsbury Technical College, from 1885 until his death. The College was administered by the City and Guilds College, one of the constituent Colleges of the Imperial College.

Silvanus Thompson showed at an early age great vigour and breadth of mind, considerable literary and artistic talent, and untiring industry that never abated throughout his life... the coincidence of Thompson's scientific life with the inauguration of the age of electrical engineering gave an irresistible opportunity for the exercise of his special talents... he attained the position of a pioneer in the development of applied electricity... His public lectures attracted large audiences and aided greatly in promoting technical education, especially in electrical engineering. Thompson pursued with zest his literary, antiquarian and artistic tastes... He was a skilful painter especially of Alpine scenery, and an accomplished linguist. He came of Quaker stock and was throughout his life an earnest member of the Society of Friends, in which he was recognised as a minister in 1903.

The Professor was an enthusiastic bibliophile, and as 'Brother Magnetizer' was a member of the 'Sette of Odde Volumes', in which he played a prominent part. He was of course also a distinguished member of the many professional societies to which he belonged, some of which he helped to found. He was President at different times of the Röntgen Society, the Institute of Electrical Engineers, and the Physical, Optical and Illuminating Engineering Societies.

These extracts from the biographical notice in the 'Dictionary of National Biography' give some impression of the Professor's importance in the history of electrical engineering and also indicate the breadth and versatility of his talents and interests.