London, England/london4-022

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Close-up of apartment complex. A three-story house was purchased here by Crookes' father in 1857. A laboratory was in place by 1859, where he performed his research. He developed the science of spectroscopy to a fine level which was necessary for his work on the elements. Here he also developed the Crookes radiometer and the Crookes tube, and early form of a cathode ray tube which later led to J. J. Thomson's discovery of electrons {LINK: Cambridge184}. Unfortunately, no plans nor descriptions exist of their house or laboratory. Today Crookes' original compounds and instruments are in the Science Museum in South Kensington {LINK: London2G-216}. In 1880 Crookes moved to his home on Kensington Park Gardens {LINK: London6-300}. The view is north.