Hertha Ayrton

Overview

Phoebe Sarah Hertha Ayrton, born on April 28, 1854, was a remarkable British figure who defied societal expectations to become a leading electrical engineer, mathematician, physicist, inventor, and a dedicated suffragette. Her contributions spanned from groundbreaking research on electric arcs to developing anti-gas fans used in World War I. This timeline highlights significant moments in her life, showcasing her intellectual prowess and unwavering commitment to scientific advancement and social justice.

Main Milestones

Birth in Portsmouth, England

April 28, 1854

Phoebe Sarah Hertha Marks, later known as Hertha Ayrton, was born in Portsmouth, England, the third of eight children to Levi Marks, a Polish watchmaker and clockmaker, and Alice Theresa Moss, a seamstress. Her early life was marked by financial hardship, but she showed early signs of intelligence and independence.

Sent to Live with Relatives in London

1861

After her father's death in 1861, Hertha was sent to live with her aunt, Marion Hartog, in London. This proved to be a turning point in her life as her aunt ran a school and introduced Hertha to a stimulating intellectual environment. She excelled in her studies, particularly in mathematics and science.

Girton College, Cambridge

1876

Hertha's academic aptitude led her to Girton College, Cambridge, where she studied mathematics and was coached by the renowned mathematician, Philippa Fawcett. Although she performed brilliantly in her final examinations, Cambridge did not grant degrees to women at the time.

Marriage to William Edward Ayrton

1884

Hertha married William Edward Ayrton, a physics professor at the Central Technical College (later Imperial College London), and a pioneer in electrical engineering. Their marriage was one of intellectual partnership and mutual support, and he actively encouraged her scientific pursuits. William introduced Hertha to the practical study of electricity.

Research on Electric Arcs

1893 - 1899

Hertha began her intensive research on electric arcs, which were used in street lighting at the time. She systematically investigated the phenomena associated with the arcs, demonstrating that hissing was caused by oxygen reacting with the carbon electrodes, rather than being inherent to the arc itself. This work significantly advanced the understanding of electric arc behavior.

First Woman to Read Her Own Paper Before the IEE

1899

Hertha Ayrton became the first woman to read her own paper before the Institution of Electrical Engineers (IEE), a major accomplishment and a significant step in breaking gender barriers in the scientific community. This event established her reputation as a leading authority on electric arcs.

Nomination for Fellowship of the Royal Society

1902

Despite her significant contributions, Ayrton's nomination for Fellowship of the Royal Society was initially rejected due to her gender. Although she never achieved fellowship status in her own right, her groundbreaking research was eventually recognized by the Royal Society when she was awarded the Hughes Medal in 1906.

Hughes Medal from the Royal Society

1906

The Royal Society awarded Hertha Ayrton the Hughes Medal for her outstanding original discoveries in physics, specifically related to her work on the electric arc and sand ripples. This prestigious award acknowledged her scientific accomplishments and solidified her standing in the scientific community.

Invention of the Ayrton Anti-Gas Fan

World War I Era

During World War I, Hertha Ayrton invented the Ayrton anti-gas fan to clear poisonous gas from trenches. She tirelessly advocated for its adoption by the British Army, demonstrating its effectiveness and promoting its use to save soldiers' lives. While not universally adopted, the fan was used to some extent and represented a critical contribution to wartime efforts.

Death in Newington, England

August 26, 1923

Hertha Ayrton died on August 26, 1923, in Newington, England, from blood poisoning resulting from an insect bite. Her death marked the loss of a brilliant scientist, inventor, and advocate for women's rights, leaving behind a legacy of groundbreaking research and pioneering achievements in the fields of electrical engineering and physics.

Other Themed Timelines

Early Life and Education (1854-1884)

Inventions and Patents

Personal Life and Relationships

Scientific Career and Achievements (1884-1923)

Suffrage Activism

Themed Timelines

Talks

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Overview

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