Robert Andrews Millikan

Robert Andrews Millikan was an American experimental physicist renowned for his pioneering work in the field of electricity and the measurement of the charge of the electron. Born on March 22, 1868, in Morrison, Illinois, Millikan pursued his education at the University of Illinois and later earned his Ph.D. from Columbia University. His most significant achievement, the oil-drop experiment, not only confirmed the existence of quantized electric charge but also earned him the Nobel Prize in Physics in 1923. Millikan's contributions to science extend beyond his experiments; he was a dedicated educator and served as a professor at the California Institute of Technology, where he inspired countless students throughout his career.

In addition to his groundbreaking research, Millikan was an eloquent advocate for science and its role in society. His writings reflect a deep commitment to the understanding and dissemination of scientific knowledge. As you explore his works in the app, you'll find a wealth of insights that bridge the gap between complex scientific concepts and everyday understanding. Whether you’re a seasoned science enthusiast or just curious about the fundamentals of physics, Millikan's contributions offer a fascinating glimpse into the world of early 20th-century science and its lasting impact today.

On the Elementary Electrical Charge

Read by Eric Ray


Robert Andrews Millikan



The experiments herewith reported were undertaken with the view of introducing certain improvements into the oil-drop method of determining …