James Dewar

Sir James Dewar FRS FRSE LLD (20 September 1842 – 27 March 1923) was a Scottish chemist and physicist. He is probably best-known today for his invention of the vacuum flask, which he used in conjunction with extensive research into the liquefaction of gases. He was also particularly interested in atomic and molecular spectroscopy, working in these fields for more than 25 years.

Early life

James Dewar was born in Kincardine Fife in 1842, the youngest of six boys of Thomas Dewar, a vintner, and his wife, Ann Eadie. James was educated at Kincardine Parish School and then Dollar Academy. He lost his parents when he was 15, soon after leaving the Academy, but was still able to attend University of Edinburgh. There he studied Chemistry under Lyon Playfair (later Baron Playfair) and became Playfair's personal assistant. Dewar also studied under August Kekulé at Ghent.

Career

In 1875, Dewar was elected Jacksonian professor of natural experimental philosophy at the University of Cambridge, becoming a fellow of Peterhouse. He became a member of the Royal Institution and later, in 1877, replaced Dr. John Hall Gladstone in the role of Fullerian Professor of Chemistry. Dewar was also the President of the Chemical Society in 1897 and the British Association for the Advancement of Science in 1902, as well as serving on the Royal Commission established to examine London's water supply from 1893 to 1894 and the Committee on Explosives. Whilst he was serving on the Committee on Explosives, Frederick Augustus Abel and he developed cordite, a smokeless gunpowder alternative.

James Dewar (musician)

James Dewar (12 October 1942 – 16 May 2002) was a Scottish musician best-known as the bassist and vocalist for Robin Trower and Stone the Crows, the latter having its beginnings as the resident band at Burns Howff in Glasgow.

Biography

Dewar's career began with Lulu and the Luvvers in the early 1960s. His career eventually reached its zenith with Robin Trower, a British rock power trio, after the 1974 release of the album Bridge of Sighs.

Dewar made his mark as an acclaimed blue eyed soul singer, performing in front of sold-out stadiums and concert halls at the crest of the 1970s classic rock era. The Scot had a rich, powerful voice, with a soulful timbre, and has been regarded by critics as one of the most under-rated rock vocalists. His vocal sound was deep, gritty, and resonating, his style shows the influence of Ray Charles and Otis Redding. Like Paul Rodgers and Frankie Miller, his voice evoked a bluesy, soul-inspired sound.

Dewar recorded his one solo album, Stumbledown Romancer, during the 1970s, at the height of his career, but it was not released until two decades later. He collaborated primarily with longtime Procol Harum organist Matthew Fisher on the album, with the title track relating a hard-luck story ...

James Dewar (disambiguation)

James Dewar may refer to:

See also

James Dewar (baker)

James Alexander Dewar (February 5, 1897 – June 30, 1985) was an American inventor of the Twinkie.

Biography

James was born on February 5, 1897 in Cook County, Illinois.

Dewar worked at the Continental Baking Company, which later through a series of mergers and acquisitions became Hostess Brands. He started as a delivery boy in 1920 by delivering pastries by horse-drawn cart. Dewar eventually rose up through the ranks to be a plant manager.

In 1931, Dewar's plant was making strawberry shortcakes but only during strawberry season. Dewar came up with an idea to create a shortcake with cream on the inside instead of strawberries. Having seen a billboard for a shoe company called the "Twinkle Toe Shoe Co." he was inspired to call his shortcake invention a "Twinkie".

Dewar rose to be regional vice-president at Hostess and held that position until 1972.

Dewar died on June 30, 1985 in Downers Grove, Illinois, at the age of 88.

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