Benjamin Davies (Q68538)

Benjamin (Ben) Davies (1863-1957), scientist, was born in Llangynllo, Cardiganshire, the eldest of three children of David and Hannah Davies. He was educated at Llangynllo, Aberbanc and Horeb schools. In 1876 he started work in his uncle Ben's shop at Llandysul. In 1893, through his mother's cousin, Dr D. Rhys Jones, he was employed by Oliver Lodge (becoming Sir Oliver Lodge in 1902) (1851-1940), Professor of Physics at University College, Liverpool, as a laboratory assistant. Davies combined this post with further education at the Liverpool Institute, the Liverpool College of Chemistry and the University of Liverpool. In 1891, he married Megan Jones of Machynlleth, Montgomeryshire. They had a daughter, Gwenhwyfar (Gwen'). Davies assisted Lodge with his 'ether wave' experiment and research into electrical waves, exploring the possibilities of wireless radio. In 1900, Sir Oliver was appointed the first principal of the University of Birmingham and Davies followed as his private research assistant. In 1908, Davies moved to the Eastern Telegraph Company, examining ways to improve telegraphy and relay, eventually becoming head of the research department. After retiring in 1922, he continued to conduct experiments on a part-time basis, the company taking out patents on his inventions, which were manufactured by Messrs Muirhead & Co. He published scientific papers, and was a Fellow of the Institute of Physics, and an Associate Member of the Institute of Electrical Engineers. Ben Davies also had a profound interest in politics and religion, describing himself as aNon Party Christian Socialist'. His private correspondence, letters to the press, publications, and involvement with the Union of Democratic Control and the Fellowship of Reconciliation Committee and other bodies, reveal his deep attachment to socialism and pacifism. He admired Soviet Communism, believing that Russia practised what Christ preached, believing that a combination of Christian, Communist and scientific principles would produce a more equal society and a peaceful world. These preoccupations became dominant in his later life. Davies and his wife were influenced by Christian Science, and were firm believers in spiritualism, perhaps influenced by Sir Oliver Lodge, a founder member of the Society for Psychic Research. Both attended numerous séances, and Davies kept notes of the proceedings on several occasions.