British Scientists of the Nineteenth Century, Vol 1 by J G Crowther.
 
With the passage of time, the great achievements of nineteenth century science are gradually falling into perspective. The widespread industrial use of the steam engine turned men's minds to a closer investigation of the sources of physical energy, the effects of chemical action, heat and electricity, and all the phenomena of the physical world which might be harnessed to commercial use.
 
In these essays J. G. Crowther considers the life and work of three great English geniuses, Davy, Faraday and Joule, not merely as outstanding figures in the progress of scientific theory, but as part and parcel of a wider national and social development.