Robert William Thomson, a man who made writing more convenient

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It is hard to argue with the fact that Scottish scientists have gained a huge reputation around the world. Each of their works became a real sensation and attracted the public’s attention.

Robert William Thomson is one of those people. Thanks to him, we have refillable fountain pens and pneumatic tyres.

Beginning of the story

The future scientist was born in a large family on June 29, 1822. The boy’s father was a very wealthy man and owned a local woollen factory.

Young Robert was bad at Latin. It became one of the reasons why he couldn’t realise the dream of his parents who wanted him to become a priest.

As a result, Thomson decided to go his own way and began studying astronomy, chemistry and electricity by himself. Sometimes, a local weaver, who was good at exact sciences, helped the boy with his studies.

First steps

Robert began to achieve the first results as an inventor at the age of 17.

Then he managed to completely reconstruct his mother’s washing mangle. His improvement made it possible to pass wet laundry through the rollers back and forth.

In addition, Thomson completed work on his first model of an elliptical rotary steam engine. However, the result didn’t fully satisfy the young man. Therefore, later, he greatly improved his development.

Study and work

Before embarking on a scientific career, Robert decided to strengthen his knowledge through engineering internships in Aberdeen and Dundee. The next stage was work in one of the construction companies in Glasgow.

After that, Robert Thomson joined the Edinburgh company of civil engineers, where he managed to finally reveal his scientific potential, applying the acquired knowledge in practice. Robert presented a new method of detonating explosive charges. Moreover, he proposed to use electricity for this, which led to a significant decrease in the number of mine victims.

New stage

They say that creative people don’t tend to stay in one place for a long time. This rule also applies to scientists.

Thus, Robert Thomson dared to change his activity despite the rather successful activity in the mentioned company.

He took the position of a railway engineer and led the blasting of chalk cliffs in the Dover region for the South Eastern Railway.

His own business

However, the irrepressible Thomson didn’t want to stop there. Soon, he decided to open his own business. It was consulting in the field of railway transport. 

In addition, at that period, the Parliament approved Robert’s proposition of a railway line to the eastern counties, which was also a great success for him.

Valuable invention

Even though Robert was successful in management positions in various companies, he didn’t forget about his scientific potential. Thomson continued to develop, invent and research.

The result of his activity was the invention of the pneumatic tyre. Moreover, the 23-year-old scientist received a patent for it twice, in 1846 in France and in 1847 in the United States.

In general, it was an inflated rubber tire. Many eyewitnesses of its presentation compared the tyre with an airbag bolted to the wheel.

Thomson’s development was first tested on horse carriages. His invention made the ride much more comfortable and less noisy.

Sensation

In 1849, Robert amazed the world with his new invention. He developed the refilling fountain pen, which became a real sensation. After all, it allows you to write a letter or sign an important paper at any moment because the main tool is always at hand.

In addition, it contributed to significant savings in ink. Therefore, the public was very happy with this convenient invention.

Respect

Thomson’s talent couldn’t pass unnoticed among respected representatives of the scientific community. They supported and encouraged him in every way. Thus, Robert was elected a fellow of The Royal Society of Edinburgh in 1863.

In addition, the scientist headed The Royal Scottish Society of Arts during 1869-1871.

Unfortunately, the earthly journey of the talented inventor came to an end on March 8, 1873. Robert William Thomson was only 50 years old at the time of his early death. Still, fate has its own plans for each of us.

Moreover, he managed to complete a lot of useful developments during his lifetime. His inventions brought him considerable income. Therefore, we can say that Robert Thomson’s life was bright, interesting and rich.