Physical Laboratories and Social Service^*

Abstract

IN these days the services to be rendered by a physical laboratory become more definite than they were: not more stereotyped, because the possibilities and modes of their usefulness are increasing, but more clearly understood. With some curiosity I have read again an address which Lord Kelvin (then Sir William Thomson) gave at the opening of the physical and chemical laboratories at University College in Bangor in 1885. Thomson could then describe, as happenings of his own time, the beginnings of instruction in practical physics and chemistry and the construction of the necessary laboratories. Soon after he went to Glasgow, in 1846, he was in need of help with some electrical measurements and invited the aid of students, which was willingly given. Others heard that some of their fellows had got experimental work to do, and begged to be allowed to join in. This was the beginning of practical work for the students in his laboratories. Thomson recalled, with great zest, that three-quarters of his helpers were theological students, and that he had to explain to an amazed outsider that they seemed to be happy in their work and were getting on very well.