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Rare books: Geometria and Opera philosophica by René Descartes

This is a guest blog on René Descartes and some of his works we hold by A-Level student Phoebe Carnell who joined us for her work experience in the IET Library and Archives. Opera philosophica, 1685. A collection of 3... Continue Reading →

‘The science of the judgments of the stars’: an early manuscript from the IET’s rare book collection

By Anne Locker, Library and Archives Manager The Hand List of the Library of Magnetic and Electrical Books in the Possession of Silvanus Phillips Thompson is the earliest record we have of the S P Thompson Library, acquired by the... Continue Reading →

Thunder and lightning

By Anne Locker What connects meteorology, the siege of Paris and the first air mail deliveries? A book in the IET Library’s S P Thompson Study Collection, Thunder and Lightning by Wilfrid de Fonvielle. Thunder and Lightning (1868) The original... Continue Reading →

Uncovering pieces of the past- archaeology at Savoy Place

By Asha Gage, IET Archivist In 2013 the IET’s London home, Savoy Place, underwent a major refurbishment project to adapt the building to the needs of modern-day events and its members. As part of this a condition was stipulated that... Continue Reading →

From under the sea to the edge of space: the work of Oliver Heaviside

By Anne Locker Early life and career Oliver Heaviside (1850-1925) was a telegraphist, self-taught mathematician and reclusive figure. He never attended meetings – he nearly turned down a nomination for Fellowship of the Royal Society over the requirement to come... Continue Reading →

A Glasgow All-Electric House

by Anne Locker In 1923, IEE member Stanley Parker Smith was planning a new house in Glasgow, designed for “all-electric working” with no coal or gas. The design, construction and electrical installation of the house is described in a paper... Continue Reading →

“Where clients call, and fees abound … Victoria Street!”

The chronicle of a Consulting Engineer’s practice in post-war London, and of its founder, Charles MacKechnie Jarvis Guest blog by Jonathan MacKechnie Jarvis My late father was an inveterate hoarder, who seldom discarded anything of possible future interest.  He died... Continue Reading →

Methodus Geometrica – a real work of art

With the arts gaining importance in the teaching of STEM subjects (now abbreviated to STEAM) it is prudent to remember that historically visual art worked alongside and complimented many scientific compositions. The teaching of the arts in STEM subjects has... Continue Reading →

Women’s work? Women at the BBC during World War II

By Asha Gage, IET Archivist As the BBC celebrates its centenary in 2022, we look at one aspect on how it was at the forefront, not only technologically, but by breaking down barriers for women’s employment in the technical arena.Women... Continue Reading →

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