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IET Archives blog

Stories from the Institution of Engineering and Technology

Tracing an ancestor down the Amazon!

By James Catmur, IET guest blog James Catmur had been in touch with the IET Archives whilst researching his great grand uncle who had been a member of the IEE (Institution of Electrical Engineers). More research ensued which led to... Continue Reading →

Maxims for engineers

Guest blog by Peter M Hills DipEE MSc CEng MIET Peter Hills, IET Archives’ guest blogger, has written a second piece offering some sage advice to those not only in the engineering world but to everyone in all walks of... Continue Reading →

Bathed in light

By Anne Locker The development of electricity for medical therapy and devices dates back to the beginnings of the science of electromagnetism and the beginnings of modern medicine. In 1791, Luigi Galvani discovered the role electricity plays in the body... Continue Reading →

Engineering and the Royal Family

By Anne Locker From Royal patronage to serving Presidents, and from Honorary Fellowship to engagement with engineering and technology, the history of the IET and the engineering profession is intertwined with that of the Royal Family. As we celebrate the... 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 →

Cragside – harnessing the power of water

By Asha Gage, IET Archivist Sir William Armstrong, later 1st Baron Armstrong, was one of the most successful British industrialists and scientists of the 19th century. He turned his vision and inventiveness to his country residence, Cragside, which is situated... 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 →

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