The double-walled vacuum flask, a device now common for thermal insulation, originated as an experimental tool for storing liquefied gases. James Dewar developed this vessel in 1892 to conduct research into the properties of matter at extremely low temperatures, ultimately securing his reputation as an innovator in both physics and chemistry during his tenure at the Royal Institution.
Academic Foundation
Born in 1842 in Kincardine, Dewar attended Dollar Academy before enrolling at the University of Edinburgh. Under the mentorship of Lyon Playfair, he began his professional training in chemistry. He further expanded his academic reach by studying under August Kekulé at Ghent University. In 1875, he accepted the position of Jacksonian Professor of Natural Experimental Philosophy at the University of Cambridge, simultaneously joining the Royal Institution as the Fullerian Professor of Chemistry in 1877.
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Take the IQ test →Contributions to Low-Temperature Physics
Dewar devoted extensive research to the liquefaction of permanent gases and temperatures near absolute zero. His early work involved spectroscopic observations and investigations into the electrical properties of cooled substances alongside colleagues such as G. D. Liveing and J. A. Fleming. By 1891, he had engineered industrial-scale machinery for liquid oxygen production. He achieved the first successful collection of liquid hydrogen in 1898, followed by solid hydrogen in 1899.
Chemical Research and Explosives
Beyond his work with cryogenic gases, Dewar conducted research on organic chemistry and the properties of the electric arc. While serving on the Committee on Explosives, he collaborated with Frederick Augustus Abel to develop cordite, an alternative to traditional gunpowder. His interest in chemical structures included an early exploration of benzene formulas in 1867. Throughout his career, he authored papers on diverse subjects, ranging from the temperature of the Sun to the physiological effects of light on the retina.
Professional Recognition and Legacy
Despite eight nominations for the Nobel Prize in Physics and Chemistry, Dewar never received the honor. His professional impact was acknowledged through numerous awards, including the Rumford Medal in 1894, the Knight Bachelor in 1904, the Matteucci Medal in 1906, the Albert Medal in 1908, the Davy Medal in 1909, the Copley Medal in 1916, and the Franklin Medal in 1919. He was a member of the Royal Society, the National Academy of Sciences, and several international scientific academies.
Fast facts
- Born: 1842, Kincardine
- Died: 1923, London
- Education: University of Edinburgh
- Primary Employers: University of Cambridge, Royal Institution
- Notable Invention: Vacuum flask
- Notable Collaboration: Cordite with Frederick Augustus Abel
- Final Resting Place: Golders Green Crematorium
- Nobel Nominations: 8
Questions readers ask
Did James Dewar profit from the invention of the vacuum flask?
No, Dewar did not patent his design and subsequently lost a legal case against the Thermos company regarding the technology.
What happened to his research during World War I?
The war effort claimed many of his staff, leading Dewar to shift his focus toward investigating surface tension in soap bubbles and atmospheric infrared radiation.
Achievements
- Copley Medal — 1916
- Affiliated with University of Cambridge
- Educated at University of Edinburgh
- Worked as physicist, chemist and inventor
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