Benjamin Thompson

For other people named Benjamin Thompson, see Benjamin Thompson (disambiguation).

Gracious Lord
Count Rumford
FRS
Born
Benjamin Thompson

(1753-03-26)26 March 1753
Woburn, Massachusetts, British America
Died21 August 1814(1814-08-21) (aged 61)
Paris, Kingdom of France
Known forThermodynamics
Awards
Scientific career
FieldsPhysics
Signature

Colonel Sir Benjamin Thompson, Count Rumford, FRS (26 March 1753 – 21 August 1814), was an American-born British military officer, scientist, inventor and nobleman. Born in Woburn, Massachusetts, he supported the Loyalist cause during the American War of Independence, commanding the King's American Dragoons during the conflict. After the war ended in 1783, Thompson moved to London, where he was recognised for his administrative talents and received a knighthood from George III in 1784.

A prolific scientist and inventor, Thompson also created several new warship designs. He subsequently moved to the Electorate of Bavaria and entered into the employ of the Bavarian government, heavily reorganising the Bavarian Army. Thompson was rewarded for his efforts by being made an Imperial Count in 1792 before dying in Paris in 1814.[1]

  1. ^ "Sir Benjamin Thompson, count von Rumford". Encyclopædia Britannica. Encyclopædia Britannica Online. Encyclopædia Britannica Inc., 2014. Web. 1 July 2014 <http://www.britannica.com/EBchecked/topic/592945/Sir-Benjamin-Thompson-count-von-Rumford>.