The patents of William Thomson (Lord Kelvin)
This paper presents a description and review of the patentsand many corresponding commercial productsof the 19th century scientist and entrepreneur William Thomson (Lord Kelvin). The patents cover the period from 1854 to 1907. William Thomson's patents included marine navigational apparatus and electrical measurement instruments. The paper concludes that the application of some of the 19th century theories of William Thomson continues to be a valuable source of patentable ideas.
kelvin patent survey electric telegraphy marine navigation equipment electrical instrumentation historical review