Franz Eugen Simon, 1893-1956

Abstract Sir Francis Simon, physicist, great thermodynamician, and for many years universally recognized leader and doyen of low-temperature physics, died on 31 October 1956 in Oxford. His purely scientific work, his contributions to the development of atomic energy and his forcibly expressed views about the impact of science and technology on public affairs were all closely interwoven. His many scientific interests and preoccupations permeated his whole life and coloured his relations with friends, colleagues and pupils. Nevertheless, a separation, however artificial, of the various aspects of Simon’s career has been attempted in this memoir which is accordingly divided into the following sections: I. Life, which contains only brief references to Simon’s work. II. Work. (1) Scientific research. A survey, under several sub-headings, of Simon’s researches which covered the whole field of low-temperature physics. (2) Atomic energy. A brief account of Simon’s contribution to this subject, chiefly during the 1939-45 war. (3) Science, industry and public affairs. A summary of Simon’s views on various topics such as scientific and technological education, fuel and power policy, and the future of nuclear power. III. Personality and influence.