Crystallographer and campaigner : the life and work of Dame Kathleen Lonsdale FRS (1903-1971)

• Main Author: Wilson, J. M.
• Published: University College London (University of London) 2017
• Online Access: https://ethos.bl.uk/OrderDetails.do?uin=uk.bl.ethos.746809

This thesis is concerned with the life and career of Dame Kathleen Lonsdale FRS (1903-1971) a prominent but historically a rather neglected figure in X-ray crystallography. It presents both a reappraisal of Lonsdale’s contribution to Xray crystallography and a more detailed understanding of her importance within the Quaker community. Lonsdale’s contribution to crystallography has been shown to involve not only her extensive research and work for the crystallographic community but it portrays her as a discipline builder campaigning to establish crystallography as a scientific discipline in its own right rather than a technique. Use has been made of extracts from Lonsdale’s letters, articles and publications, many of which have not been previously quoted, to provide an insight into her character and to show how she established herself in the scientific community. Access to previously unavailable resources held in the Quaker Library, have shown how Lonsdale, who had been born a Baptist, questioned her faith when she became a mother resulting in her and her family joining the Religious Society of friends (Quakers). These resources have also provided new information about her actions as a pacifist which led to a prison sentence and established her as a campaigner for penal reform. Lonsdale was also a very active campaigner for peace and a full discussion has been given of her involvement with peace organisations. Lonsdale travelled widely during her later career giving lectures and attending conferences. The thesis has shown how she successfully combined her science, religion and social concerns to achieve both a national and international profile as a scientist and a Quaker.