Sir Benjamin Thompson, Count Rumford: Scientific Genius, Inventor, Statesman, Spy

Robert Compton, UT professor emeritus of physics and chemistry and emeritus senior corporate fellow at Oak Ridge National Laboratory, will present “Sir Benjamin Thompson, Count Rumford: Scientific Genius, Inventor, Statesman, Spy,” Friday, March 19 via Zoom.

Sir Benjamin Thompson, Count Rumford (March 26, 1753 – August 21, 1814) was a scientific genius, inventor, statesman, social reformer, and Tory spy. In his presentation, Professor Emeritus Compton will explore the extraordinary life of Sir Thompson, including his involvement in the Bavarian Army, his scientific accomplishments, inventions – including the Rumford Stove – and his last years in France.