Arthur Schuster (12.09.1851-14.10.1934) — an English physicist, a Fellow of the Royal Society (1879), vice-president in 1919 — 24. Born in Frankfurt am Main. In 1875 he became a British subject. Graduated from the University of Heidelberg (1873) and continued his studies at the University of Manchester. In 1876 — 81 he worked at the Cavendish Laboratory of the University of Cambridge, and in 1881 —1907 was professor at the university.
His work concerned optics, spectroscopy, the study of the passage of current through gases, terrestrial magnetism, calorimetry, radiometry and seismology. Obtained (1882) the first photograph of the spectrum of the solar corona. Proved that the conductivity of a gas is due to its ions. Concluded that cathode rays arise as a result of bombardment by gas ions accelerated near the cathode in a strong field. Was the first to show that the ratio of charge to mass can be determined from the deflection of cathode rays in a magnetic field (1884). In 1890 he determined upper and lower limits for the ratio of charge to mass of the particles of cathode rays. Was the first to suggest (1897) the existence of the electron in the atom. Carried out (1900) the first systematic studies of processes in a spark. Constructed a magnetometer (the Schuster — Smith magnetometer).
The Royal Medal (1893), the B. Rumford (1926) and Copley (1931) medals.