Study and Research in Physics¹

Abstract

IT is little more than fifty years since special laboratories began to be built, generally on a small and modest scale, for study and research in experimental physics and for the practical instruction of students. During this period, physics in Bristol has been represented by three professors, first for a short time, by the late Prof. Sylvanus Thompson, whose contributions to science will long be remembered, then by Prof. Chattock, who is held in high esteem by all his students for the efficiency and inspiration of his teaching. On his retirement he was succeeded by his pupil, Prof. Tyndall, and I am sure that it is not entirely an accident that this splendid laboratory, which we open officially to-day, had its inception and completion during his tenure of office.