by Dr Derwent Mercer of the Department of Physics. University of Southampton.
At the age of 24 years. OLIVER HEAVISIDE retired to teach himself science. He undertook research, produced startling results, but the scientific establishment shunned him. He continued in the face of opposition and when recognition came he was near to poverty. He died 50 years ago, and only now are we beginning to understand the implications of his work.