William Rankine 

                                            William Rankine

William Rankine (1820 1872) was a mathematician and physicist who was born in Edinburgh. He made a significant contribution to the development of the science of thermodynamics, developing the Rankine scale, using the Fahrenheit based equivalent of the Celsius scale. Rankine developed a theory for the mechanics of the heat engine, in particular the calculation of the efficiency of steam engines, known as the Rankine cycle. By 1855 Rankine had developed the science of energetics and had then began to write what were to prove extremely influential manuals. Beginning with the ‘Manual of Applied Mechanics ‘in 1858. Then continuing with the even more important ‘Manual of the Steam Engine and other Prime Movers’ in 1859. he died in Edinburgh in 1872.