Sir William Crookes
(1832-1919), Chemist and science journalistSitter in 8 portraits
A chemist and physicist noted for his discovery of the element thallium and for his cathode-ray studies, fundamental in the development of atomic physics. Crookes studied at the Royal College of Chemistry, London. Soon after graduating he inherited a large fortune from his father after which he devoted himself entirely to scientific work at his private laboratory in London. His researches on electrical discharges through a rarefied gas led him to observe the dark space around the cathode, now called the Crookes dark space. In 1861 he discovered thallium, and during these studies he invented the radiometer, a device that has found numerous applications in the development of sensitive measuring instruments.
by Albert Ludovici
oil on canvas, circa 1884-1885
NPG 1846
by Elliott & Fry
halftone reproduction, circa 1897
NPG x7043
by Elliott & Fry
albumen print, circa 1897
NPG x197914
by George Charles Beresford
dry-plate glass negative, 1906
NPG x6480
by Rich & Co, after Elliott & Fry
photogravure, circa 1911
NPG x7044
by Walter Stoneman
bromide print, circa 1916
NPG x166879
by Walter Stoneman, for James Russell & Sons
bromide print, circa 1916
NPG Ax46149
Sir William Crookes ('Men of the Day. No. 879. "ubi Crookes ibi lux"')
by Sir Leslie Ward
chromolithograph, published in Vanity Fair 21 May 1903
NPG D45171
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