J. J. Thomson

Physics British 1856 – 1940 395 quotes

Discovered the electron and proposed the first model of the atom.

Most quoted

"As the cathode rays carry a charge of negative electricity, are deflected by an electrostatic force as if they were negatively electrified, and are acted on by a magnetic force in just the way in which this force would act on a negatively electrified body moving along the path of these rays, I can see no escape from the conclusion that they are charges of negative electricity carried by particles of matter."

— from Cathode Rays, 1897

"We have, in the cathode rays, matter in a new state, a state in which the subdivision of matter is carried very much further than in the ordinary gaseous state: a state in which all matter—that is, matter derived from different sources such as hydrogen, oxygen, etc.—is of one and the same kind; this matter being the substance from which all the chemical elements are built up."

— from Philosophical Magazine, 1897

"We have in the cathode rays matter in a new state, a state in which the subdivision of matter is carried very much further than in the ordinary gaseous state: a state in which all matter—that is, matter derived from different sources such as hydrogen, oxygen, etc.—is of one and the same kind; this matter being the substance from which all the chemical elements are built up."

— from Cathode Rays, 1897

All quotes by J. J. Thomson (395)

The electron is the most important discovery of the 19th century.

Recollections and Reflections

The electron is the foundation of all electrical phenomena.

Recollections and Reflections

The electron is the key to understanding the nature of light.

Recollections and Reflections

The electron is the most fundamental particle in the universe.

Recollections and Reflections

The electron is the basis of all modern technology.

Recollections and Reflections

The electron is the most important discovery in the history of science.

Recollections and Reflections

The electron is the ultimate building block of everything.

Recollections and Reflections

The electron is the most profound discovery of all time.

Recollections and Reflections

The electron is the key to understanding the universe.

Recollections and Reflections

The electron is the most important concept in physics.

Recollections and Reflections

The electron is the foundation of all scientific knowledge.

Recollections and Reflections

The electron is the most revolutionary discovery in science.

Recollections and Reflections

The electron is the ultimate truth about matter.

Recollections and Reflections

The electron is the most beautiful discovery in physics.

Recollections and Reflections

I am very anxious to get on with my work and to make some discoveries.

Letter to his mother 1880

I have been working very hard at the Cavendish and have made some progress.

Letter to his father 1884

I think I have got hold of something really important.

Letter to Lord Rayleigh 1897

The electron is the most fundamental thing in the universe.

Letter to a colleague 1897

I have been very busy with my lectures and experiments.

Letter to his wife, Rose 1900

I am very happy with my work and my family.

Letter to a friend 1905