Joseph John Thomson

Joseph John Thomson was born on December 18, 1856 near Manchester, in England. His father died when he was only sixteen. Thomson studied at the Owens College in Manchester, where he was encouraged to apply for a scholarship at Trinity College by his professor of mathematics. Thomson won the scholarship, and in 1880 finished second in his class in the grueling graduation examination in mathematics. This last college gave him materials and support, which convinced him to continue his studies after graduation, trying to make mathematical models that would show the nature of atoms and electromagnetic forces. Then, the young Thomson was chosen to be the third Cavendish Professor in 1884. He was inexperienced in doing experiments, but he learned quickly and was successful in making many useful experiments. By using his own finances and supported by teaching as

a university professor, Thompson made many important experiments on electromagnetism and atomic particles and which rewarded him...