Pub Date : 2021-10-05DOI: 10.1093/oso/9780192898005.003.0001
John Meurig Thomas
In setting the scene, the wide varienty of activities pursued at the RI is outlined. Its uniqueness as a centre of learning and advancement of knowledge is illustrated with reference to the extraordinary skills as natural philosophers and expositors of two of the greatest scientists who have ever lived: Humphry Davy and his successor, Michael Faraday. They each made transformative discoveries, which changed the way people lived. Faraday invented the dynamo, the transformer and a means of generating continuous electricity (by extracting it from magnetism). The role of mathematics in everyday life, as well as popular lectures for young people are a feature of the activites of the RI. In 1825, Faraday introduced the RI Christmas Lectures for young children, when he gave his monumental ‘The Chemical History of a Candle’. Such lectures are still broadcast in the UK and in places like Tokyo.
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Pub Date : 2021-10-05DOI: 10.1093/oso/9780192898005.003.0012
John Meurig Thomas
This chapter deals at length with the policies and practices exhibited by Sir George Porter when he was Director of the Royal Institution for a thirty year period. His astute Directorship, not only in selecting Discourse speakers and Christmas Lecturers, but also the pursuit of original research in his chosen field of photochemistry and photophysics are also outlined. My own contributions to both research and the popularisation of science at the RI is also discussed at some length. It includes reference to my work on heterogeneous catalysis. It also describes my interaction with other internation groups (in Novosibirsk), and with my colleague, Professor Richard Catlow. HRH The Duke of Kent’s tribute to my Directorship is also included.
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