A matter of degrees: A brief history of cryogenics

Abstract The inaugural lecture presented in this paper (originally presented on 20 October 1988 at the University of Southampton) is a brief history of cryogenics. It considers not only the discoveries and technological advances made from 1877 to the present day, but also the factors which prompted and promoted them. The importance of interaction between research, training and industry is noted and some potential moves for the future are mentioned.