A prophet in two countries

Sir Francis Simon was a scientist of international eminence and his reputation embraced work in low temperature physics, atomic energy, and technological education. His story is one of outstanding interest for he was closely embroiled in the historical drama of the times through which he lived--the 1914-18 War, the Nazi regime in Germany, the Second World War, and the economic difficulties that followed in England. Starting life again in a new country at the age of 40, this German Jew, already distinguished in war and peace in his own country, went on to win high honours for his services to the country of his adoption. As his thinking was well ahead of his time, so his opinions on industrial affairs and technological education are still relevant. He was a man who lived out his belief that science was not to be confined within the laboratory or country but should embrace the whole of life.