68 letters, mostly from Kelvin to his sister Elizabeth; a few to David King; some from Margaret Thomson, Kelvin's first wife, and Frances Thomson, his second wife; 3 from Charles and Margaret Watson at the time of Margaret Thomson's death; and 4 from Frances Thomson to Elizabeth, daughter of David and Elizabeth King. The letters cover family news; occasional references to Kelvin's scientific work; the long illness of Margaret Thomson, and of David King; the laying of Atlantic telegraph cables, 1865-1866, and other underwater cables; and the death at sea of David King junior, 1874. The collection also contains photographs, including one of a drawing of Lord Kelvin, his brother James Thomson and Elizabeth King, by Agnes Gardner King, and two photographs of Dr David King. The letters are from Lord Kelvin to Elizabeth Thomson unless stated.
William Thomson, Lord Kelvin: Family Letters
Archive Collection
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- ReferenceGB 12 MS Add.8818
- Dates of Creation1836-1906
- Name of Creator
- Language of MaterialEnglish .
- Physical Description1 archive box(es) 1 box
Scope and Content
Access Information
Unless restrictions apply, the collection is open for consultation by researchers using the Manuscripts Reading Room at Cambridge University Library. For further details on conditions governing access please contact mss@lib.cam.ac.uk. Information about opening hours and obtaining a Cambridge University Library reader's ticket is available from the Library's website (www.lib.cam.ac.uk).
Acquisition Information
Deposited by Anthony Hilbery, 1990
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A catalogue of the collection can be found on ArchiveSearch.