A mechanical explanation of gravitation, detailing how collisions between ether particles translate rotational motion into linear motion, marked the beginning of John James Waterston’s scientific inquiries at age nineteen. This early hypothesis established a framework for his subsequent development of the kinetic theory of gases, positioning him as a significant yet historically overlooked contributor to physics.
Professional Foundations
Born in 1811 in Edinburgh, Waterston entered the workforce as an apprentice civil engineer for the firm Grainger and Miller. His professional training was complemented by academic study at the University of Edinburgh, where he attended lectures in mathematics, physics, chemistry, anatomy, and surgery under Sir John Leslie. His career spanned diverse technical roles, including surveying railroads, employment with James Walker from 1832 to 1835, and service within the British Admiralty Office from 1835 to 1839.
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In 1839, Francis Beaufort facilitated Waterston’s appointment as a naval instructor for cadets of the East India Company stationed in Bombay. This position provided the necessary stability and access to the library at Grant College for Waterston to conduct research. During this period, he independently derived the kinetic theory of gases, documenting his findings in his 1843 book, Thoughts on the Mental Functions.
Scientific Neglect and Rejection
Waterston formulated the relationship between gas pressure, molecular mass, and mean-squared velocity, effectively identifying the ideal gas law and providing the first statement of the equipartition theorem. However, his work failed to gain recognition. A submission to the Royal Society in 1845 was rejected after a referee dismissed the manuscript as nonsense. The original paper remained lost in archives until 1892, long after Waterston returned to Edinburgh in 1857 to live in increasing reclusiveness.
Fast facts
- Born: 1811, Edinburgh
- Died: 18 June 1883, Edinburgh
- Citizenship: United Kingdom of Great Britain and Ireland
- Educated at: University of Edinburgh
- Employer (1832-1835): James Walker
- Employer (1835-1839): British Admiralty Office
- Employer (1839-1857): East India Company
- Primary Fields: Physics, Civil Engineering
Questions readers ask
Why was Waterston’s kinetic theory of gases ignored?
His work was published at his own expense in a book with an obscure title and was subsequently rejected by the Royal Society, meaning it did not reach the established scientific community until the theory had already been popularized by others.
What were the circumstances of Waterston's death?
He died on 18 June 1883 after drowning in a canal near his home in Edinburgh, possibly due to heat stress.
Achievements
- Affiliated with James Walker, British Admiralty Office and East India Company
- Educated at University of Edinburgh
- Worked as physicist and civil engineer
