Subscribe now

As co-founder of Britain’s Royal Institution we should thank Benjamin
Thompson (1753-1814). In Count Rumford, the larger-than-life story of this
Massachusetts farm boy, British spy, inventor, minister of police for Bavaria,
Papal knight and philanderer is well told by George Brown. Published by Sutton,
$21.95, ISBN 0750921846.

Sign up to our weekly newsletter

Receive a weekly dose of discovery in your inbox. We'll also keep you up to date with New Scientist events and special offers.

Sign up
Piano Exit Overlay Banner Mobile Piano Exit Overlay Banner Desktop