Lord Kelvin
Formulated the first and second laws of thermodynamics and proposed the absolute temperature scale.
Most quoted
"I often say that when you can measure what you are speaking about, and express it in numbers, you know something about it; but when you cannot measure it, when you cannot express it in numbers, your knowledge is of a meagre and unsatisfactory kind; it may be the beginning of knowledge, but you have scarcely, in your thoughts, advanced to the stage of science, whatever the matter may be."
— from Popular Lectures and Addresses, Vol. I, 1883
"When you can measure what you are speaking about, and express it in numbers, you know something about it; but when you cannot measure it, when you cannot express it in numbers, your knowledge is of a meagre and unsatisfactory kind: it may be the beginning of knowledge, but you have scarcely, in your thoughts, advanced to the stage of science, whatever the matter may be."
— from Popular Lectures and Addresses, Vol. I, 1883
"I often say that when you can measure what you are speaking about, and express it in numbers, you know something about it; but when you cannot measure it, when you cannot express it in numbers, your knowledge is of a meagre and unsatisfactory kind; it may be the beginning of knowledge, but you have scarcely in your thoughts advanced to the stage of a science."
— from Speech, 1889
All quotes by Lord Kelvin (356)
I am quite sure that the sun's heat cannot last indefinitely.
I have a great respect for the work of Darwin.
I am always seeking to simplify complex ideas.
I have been much interested in the problem of the tides.
I am convinced that the universe is not eternal.
I have a strong belief in the order and design of the universe.
I am always learning something new.
I have been much occupied with the question of the stability of matter.
I am quite sure that matter is not infinitely divisible.
I have a great love for my family.
I am very happy in my work.
I have been much interested in the problem of atmospheric electricity.
I am convinced that electricity and magnetism are intimately connected.
I have a great admiration for Maxwell's equations.
I am always striving for clarity in my explanations.
I have been much occupied with the question of the nature of force.
I am quite sure that force is not a mysterious entity.
I have a great belief in the power of human reason.
I am always open to new ideas.
I have been much interested in the problem of the shape of the earth.
Contemporaries of Lord Kelvin
Other Physicss born within 50 years of Lord Kelvin (1824–1907).