J. J. Thomson
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 Cavendish is a wonderful place to work.
I am always learning new things.
Science is a great adventure.
I am very proud of my students.
The future of physics is very exciting.
I have had a very full and interesting life.
It is only when we are no longer afraid to fail that we begin to succeed.
The important thing is not to stop questioning. Curiosity has its own reason for existence.
I have been wrestling with this problem for weeks.
The experimental method is the only way to truly understand nature.
Rose is a constant source of support and inspiration.
The discovery of the electron opened up a whole new world of physics.
I find great joy in the simple beauty of scientific truth.
One must always be prepared to challenge established ideas.
My greatest satisfaction comes from seeing my students go on to do great things.
The universe is far more complex and wonderful than we can imagine.
I am still as fascinated by the atom as I was when I first started.
The Cavendish has always been a place where young minds can flourish.
I believe that the pursuit of knowledge is one of the noblest human endeavors.
The greatest discoveries often come from unexpected directions.
Contemporaries of J. J. Thomson
Other Physicss born within 50 years of J. J. Thomson (1856–1940).