Sir Norman Lockyer left Nature, the world's leading scientific journal, as his lasting memorial. But his life, and controversial theories, are an important part of science history. His ideas were at the forefront of public debate, and ranged from brilliant to perverse. This entertaining book is a fascinating insight into his eventful life

'Meadows's biography constitutes an important, absorbing and eminently readable narrative of Lockyer's role in transforming the practice and social organization of late Victorian science.' - Zaheer Baber, Nature
 
'This book, now republished after 30 years, is well researched and well written throughout, giving an excellent glimpse into the life of an eminent Victorian scientist.' - John Uttin, Chemistry World

Foreword; P. Campbell
The Militant Civil Servant
The Man of Letters
The Man of Science
The Devonshire Commission
South Kensington and Meteorology
What is an Atom?
The Philosopher's Stone
Family and Friends
A New Orientation
Education and National Progress
The Final Push
Afterward

Jack Meadows was formerly Professor of Astronomy and of the History of Science at Leicester University, UK. He is now Emeritus Professor of Information Science at Loughborough University, UK.