| Description | Letters from various scientists and other figures to Alan Archibald Campbell Swinton. Letter content ranges from discussions of specialised scientific investigations, exchange of professional ideas and scientific advice, as well as friendly exchanges of pleasantries. Summarised below is the content of letters from primary correspondents:
The first 58 letters are from William George Armstrong (1810-1900) (FRS 1846), to whom Swinton was apprenticed in 1882, at Armstrong Whitworth, engineering works at Elswick on Tyne. Swinton kept in close contact with Armstrong, particularly in the latter part of Armstrong's life, when he resumed electrical experimentation. Swinton frequently obtained apparatus for Armstrong and would visit him at his home in Cragside, Northumberland. The letters document these late interactions, dating to the late 1890s, and cover Armstrong's efforts of obtaining high-tension electric discharges from App's [manufacturer of the famous 'polytechnic coil] induction coils connected in series, as well as his endeavour of turning a boiler into a hydro-electric machine, for which he required insulating legs, and was assisted by Swinton in their procurement.
Letters from William Crookes (1832 - 1919) (FRS 1863) are 30 in number and document a strong professional relationship, where Crookes encouraged Swinton's scientific endeavours. The letters evidence the advisory role of Crookes in Swinton's MS work on Electric Lighting; his support of Swinton's application for the associateship of the Society of Telegraph Engineers & of Electricians; and his responsibilities as referee for Swinton's paper in the Philosophical Transactions of the Royal Society.
Other notable scientists, including Lord Kelvin [William Thomson], Oliver Lodge, Joseph Larmor, and Charles Algernon Parsons appear in this series.
Included in this series are letters from Swinton's mother, Georgiana Caroline Swinton (1824-1900) and father, Archibald Campbell Swinton (1812-1890), offering a glimpse into their relationship.
This series also contains letter registers and letter indexes of incoming letters (ACS/1/1/435-438).
General miscellaneous letters can be located under ACS/1/1/439. |
| Arrangement | Organised alphabetically, by correspondent, in chronological order. The letters were presented to the Royal Society originally filed in 32 individual envelopes, roughly alphabetised, by correspondent, and in no date order. The letters are marked with old reference numbers under which Swinton's office indexed the letters. These have been retained and can be found recorded in the alternative reference number field. A portion of the letters remain in their original envelopes, with some bearing wax seals and other insignia. The envelopes have been kept with the letters and are clearly indicated in individual record descriptions.
Additional letters filed as 'Miscellaneous Letters' by Swinton's office can be found under ACS/1/1/439. These have been arranged in the same manner as above, alphabetically, by correspondent, in chronological order.
A typewritten 'List of Letters' is included amongst these letters and briefly summarises the content of some but not all (ACS/1/1/434). |