Rumford

Rumford, COUNT (1752-1814), scientist, whose real name was BENJAMIN THOMPSON, was born in New England and acquired in early youth a taste for natural philosophy, which he studied deeply. During the War of Independence he favoured the English connection, and in 1776, on coming to England, was made F.R.S., and four years later Under-Secretary of State. He had some military and administrative capacity, and was sent to America in command of a troop, and on his return was knighted. He then entered the Duke of Bavaria's service, and did much work in civil and military posts. He became a Count, and in 1799 returned to England. He made some valuable experiments concerning heat, and helped to found the Royal Institution. His complete works were published in five volumes in 1876.