JAMES PRESCOTT JOULES

James Prescott Joule was born on 24th December 1818 in Salford, Lancashire, England. He was the second of five children born to a wealthy brewery owner. James was shy and weak and he suffered from spinal disorder.. Because of these limitations, he preferred studies to physical activity. Although his spinal problem later improved, it affected him throughout his life. He was initially educated at home then, at the age of 16, began to study under John Dalton, the eminent Manchester scientist. He was taught chemistry, physics and mathematics. He only received some instruction from John Dalton in chemistry, most of his scientific knowledge was self-taught. James and his brother took over running the brewery, when their father became ill. Due to this, James did not have the opportunity to attend university. However, his great desire was to continue to study science, so he set up a laboratory in his home and began experimenting before and after work each day. James saw this desire to study science as a natural consequence of his Christian faith. Joule is best known for his research in electricity and thermodynamics.