Richard Glazebrook facts for kids

Sir Richard Tetley Glazebrook KCB KCVO FRS (born September 18, 1854 – died December 15, 1935) was an important English physicist. He helped set up the first National Physical Laboratory (NPL) in the UK, which is a place where scientists do research and make sure measurements are accurate.

Early Life and Education

Richard Glazebrook was born in West Derby, a town near Liverpool, England. His father was a surgeon. Richard went to school at Dulwich College and then Liverpool College.

He later studied Mathematics at Trinity College, Cambridge. He graduated in 1876 and became a fellow there in 1877.

Studying Physics

Richard was very interested in physics. He learned from famous scientists like James Clerk Maxwell and Lord Rayleigh. They taught him at the new Cavendish Laboratory at Cambridge University.

In 1880, he became a demonstrator at the lab. This meant he helped teach students and showed them how experiments worked.

Electrical Standards Work

In 1881, Richard also became a lecturer in mathematics and physics. His research focused on important topics like electrical standards and aviation.

He worked on defining the unit of electrical resistance, called the Ohm. Scientists were trying to figure out the exact length of a mercury column needed to define one Ohm. Richard Glazebrook found the value to be 106.3 centimeters.

Even though some people doubted using mercury for this, his value was later accepted as the international standard at a big conference in Chicago in 1893.

Leading the National Physical Laboratory

In 1884, Richard hoped to become the head of the Cavendish Laboratory. However, another scientist, Sir J.J. Thomson, was chosen instead. This was a big disappointment for Richard.

But he continued his important work. In 1891, he became the Assistant Director of the Cavendish. Then, in 1898, he was made the Principal of University College in Liverpool.

First Director of NPL

In 1899, Richard Glazebrook took on a very important role. He became the first Director of the National Physical Laboratory (NPL) in Teddington. This laboratory was created to help British industries and science by providing accurate measurements and research.

During the First World War, he led the government's Advisory Committee for Aeronautics. This committee, located at the NPL, worked on science related to aircraft.

He stayed at the NPL until he retired in 1919. Under his leadership, the NPL became a world leader in physics research.

After Retirement

After retiring from the NPL, Richard Glazebrook moved back to Cambridge. He worked on editing a large book called Dictionary of Applied Physics.

From 1920 to 1923, he was a professor at Imperial College in London. He also continued to be involved with the NPL, leading its Executive Committee from 1925 to 1932.

Awards and Recognition

Richard Glazebrook received many honors for his scientific work.

• In 1882, he was elected a Fellow of the Royal Society (FRS) when he was only 28 years old. This is a very high honor for a scientist.
• He served as Vice-President of the Royal Society several times.
• He was awarded the Hughes Medal in 1909 and the Royal Medal in 1931.
• He also received the Albert Medal in 1918 and the Gold Medal of the Royal Aeronautical Society in 1933.

He was also the president of important scientific groups, including the Physical Society (now the Institute of Physics) and the Institution of Electrical Engineers.

For his service, he was made a Knight in 1917, which means he could use "Sir" before his name. He also received other high honors like Knight Commander of the Order of the Bath (KCB) and Knight Commander of the Royal Victorian Order (KCVO).

Personal Life

Richard Glazebrook married Frances Gertrude Atkinson in 1883. They had a son and three daughters. He passed away in Limpsfield, Surrey, on December 15, 1935, at the age of 81.