Benjamin Thompson

Benjamin Thompson was born in Massachusetts before the American Revolution. He later became a successful scientist and inventor, known for his work in thermal energy and thermodynamics.

Benjamin Thompson was born on March 26, 1753 in Woburn, Massachusetts, United States.

In February 1766, Benjamin Thompson entered his early years.

At the age of sixteen, Benjamin Thompson moved to Boston to become an apprentice clerk. During this time, he attended medical and astronomy lectures to expand his knowledge.

On March 3, 1772, at the age of 13, Benjamin Thompson was apprenticed to John Appleton, a merchant from nearby Salem.

In 1774, Benjamin Thompson (Count Rumford) was threatened with tar and feathers in Concord, New Hampshire, leading him to take the name Rumford as a title. This incident reflects the challenges he faced in his early life and career.

Benjamin Thompson met, charmed, and married a wealthy and well-connected heiress named Sarah Rolfe.

At the start of the American Revolution, Benjamin Thompson was a respected man with property and influence in New England.

In March 1776, Benjamin Thompson sailed to England after the British army evacuated Boston.

In 1779, Benjamin Thompson was honored with membership in the Royal Society due to his remarkable scientific achievements.

While working with the British armies in America, he conducted experiments concerning the force of gunpowder, the results of which were widely acclaimed when eventually published in 1781.

After the American Revolution, Benjamin Thompson entered the service of the Elector of Bavaria. He implemented reforms in laws governing the poor and was eventually awarded the title of Count Rumford of the Holy Roman Empire.

In February 1784, King George III knighted Thompson, giving him the title of 'sir' for his loyalty and accomplishments.

Benjamin Thompson made significant contributions to science and engineering, particularly in the areas of heat conservation, fuel economy, and kitchen design. His innovative methods and designs were widely used during his lifetime.

In 1789, on behalf of Prince Charles, Benjamin Thompson created the Englischer Garten in Munich, which is now one of the largest urban public parks in the world.

Benjamin Thompson received the title of Imperial Count of Rumford in 1791 for his military services in Bavaria. This recognition highlighted his contributions as a military commander.

In 1792, Benjamin Thompson was made a Count of the Holy Roman Empire after entering government service in Bavaria and re-organizing the army.

Benjamin Thompson published an essay in 1796 titled 'Chimney Fireplaces, with Proposals for Improving them to Save Fuel; to Render Dwelling-houses more Comfortable and Salubrious, and Effectually to prevent Chimneys from Smoking'. The essay aimed to explain his inventions for heating houses more efficiently.

In 1797, Benjamin Thompson extended his claim about non-conductivity to liquids, which was met with objections from the scientific establishment due to the lack of instrumentation to verify his claim. He believed that water had a providential status in the regulation of human life.

In 1798, Benjamin Thompson, also known as Count Rumford, conducted an experiment challenging the prevailing scientific belief of caloric as the source of heat. He argued that heat was a form of motion in his work 'An Experimental Enquiry Concerning the Source of the Heat which is Excited by Friction.'

In 1799, he founded the Royal Institution in London, which served as a hub for technological advancements and innovations.

Benjamin Thompson returned to London just before 1800 and made significant contributions in the field of thermodynamics. He invented thermal underwear, redesigned fireplaces and chimneys for better smoke ventilation, and introduced drip-style coffee makers, double boilers, and kitchen stoves.

In 1802, Count Rumford was depicted in James Gillray's print 'Scientific Researches!—New Discoveries in PNEUMATICKS!' as an onlooker during contemporary demonstrations with laughing gas. This portrayal captured the humorous and observational side of Rumford's character.

In 1803, he was chosen as a foreign member of the Royal Swedish Academy of Sciences, recognizing his contributions to the field.

Benjamin Thompson passed away in Paris at the age of 61, ten years after marrying Marie-Anne. His legacy in science and philanthropy continues to inspire future generations.

In 1814, Benjamin Thompson, also known as Count Rumford, married the widow of Antoine Lavoisier in Paris. This marriage marked a significant event in the life of Benjamin Thompson.

Rumford baking powder was patented in 1859, named after Benjamin Thompson. It was invented by Eben Norton Horsford, a former Rumford professor at Harvard University.

The King of Bavaria commissioned a bronze statue of Benjamin Thompson in 1867 in Munich as a token of gratitude from the citizens.

In 1868, Benjamin Thompson learned that his wife was being physically abused by her brother, Jim Moore. Thompson returned to Texas, confronted Moore, and severely injured him. He was charged with attempted murder, convicted, and sentenced to two years in prison, but later received a full pardon.

In 1870, Benjamin Thompson left Texas for Abilene, Kansas, a booming town due to the expanding cattle trade. He later opened the 'Bulls Head Saloon' in Abilene with his friend Phil Coe, which thrived due to the influx of cowboys from cattle drives.

In 1871, Benjamin Thompson and Phil Coe met John Wesley Hardin at the Bulls Head Saloon in Abilene. They tried to recruit Hardin to help remove the town marshal, 'Wild' Bill Hickok, leading to tensions and confrontations in the town.

The Rumford Historical Association was founded in 1877 at the birthplace of Benjamin Thompson in Massachusetts. It contains models of his experiments, inventions, and a library of his works.

In 1884, W.M. Walton self-published 'The Life and Adventures of Ben Thompson: The Famous Texan', which was later reissued in a facsimile edition in 1956 by The Steck Company of Austin, Texas.

Rumford Kitchen was featured at the World's Fair in Chicago in 1893, showcasing innovations inspired by Count Rumford's work.

In 1941, Benjamin Thompson received his Bachelor of Fine Arts degree from Yale University.

Ben Thompson's architectural philosophy has always focused on creating buildings that evoke joyous experiences for both architects and people. He emphasized the importance of the interaction between architecture and the environment.

In 1957, Floyd Benjamin Streeter published 'The Complete and Authentic Life of Ben Thompson: Man With a Gun' in New York, providing a detailed account of Ben Thompson's life.

The third volume of Count Rumford's collected works, focusing on Devices and Techniques, was published in 1969.

The fifth volume of Count Rumford's collected works, focusing on Public Institutions, was published in 1970.

In 1976, Benjamin Thompson's designs were showcased in an exhibition of Williams College architects. John W. Stamper, the project designer, praised Thompson's ability to blend his designs with existing campus buildings, creating a harmonious and timeless aesthetic.

In 1987, the American Institute of Architects (AIA) named Ben Thompson and Associates as its Firm of the Year, recognizing their outstanding contributions to architecture.

An exhibition titled 'A Sense of Places; Benjamin Thompson, Building for People' by architect Benjamin Thompson was featured in The Washington Post on January 25, 1992.

Benjamin Thompson, also known as Count Rumford, was featured as the Scientist of the Day on March 26, 2018. He was an American-born British physical scientist with ties to both America and England.