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Alexander Russell
Alexander Russell (electrical engineer).png
Born (1861-07-15)15 July 1861
Died 14 January 1943(1943-01-14) (aged 81)
Citizenship Scottish
Education Glasgow University Caius College, Cambridge
Engineering career
Discipline Electrical engineering
Projects Alternating current
Awards Faraday Medal of the Institution of Electrical Engineers

Alexander Russell (born July 15, 1861 – died January 14, 1943) was an important Scottish electrical engineer and a teacher. He helped train many future engineers.

Who Was Alexander Russell?

Alexander Russell was born in Ayr, Scotland. He was a very smart student. He studied at Glasgow University and Caius College, Cambridge. He earned a master's degree in Math and Physics. Later, in 1924, he received a special doctorate degree.

Early Career and Teaching

Before becoming an engineer, Alexander Russell taught math. He taught at Cheltenham College. He also taught at the Oxford Military College. These experiences helped him become a great educator.

Leading Faraday House

Russell then joined Faraday House in London. This school was new and trained electrical engineers. He became the Principal (head) of Faraday House in 1909. He led the school until 1939.

Pioneering the Sandwich Course

At Faraday House, he started a new way of learning. It was called the "sandwich course." Students would study in class for a year. Then, they would work in real industries. After that, they would return to the classroom. This helped students get hands-on experience. It prepared them well for their careers.

Writing for Electrician

Alexander Russell also wrote many articles. These articles were for a magazine called Electrician. He later collected these articles. He published them as books. This helped share his knowledge with others.

Important Achievements and Awards

Alexander Russell was a leader in his field. He was the President of several important groups. These included the Physical Society from 1922 to 1924. He also led the Institute of Electrical Engineers in 1923.

Becoming a Fellow of the Royal Society

In 1924, he was chosen for a special honor. He became a Fellow of the Royal Society. This is a very respected group of scientists. They recognized him for his deep knowledge. He understood how alternating current works. He also knew a lot about inductances and electrostatics.

Receiving the Faraday Medal

In 1940, Alexander Russell received another big award. It was the Faraday Medal. This medal is given by the Institution of Electrical Engineers. It is a very high honor for electrical engineers.

Later Life

Alexander Russell passed away in 1943. He had been ill for some time. He was married to Edith. She was the daughter of H.B. Ince, who was a Member of Parliament. They had a son and a daughter.

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