Biographical Introduction
This chapter is an introductory biography of the life and works of Sir G. G. Stokes from his early life in Ireland, through his career in Cambridge as student and fellow of Pembroke, to his election as Lucasian Professor of Mathematics. It summarizes his lasting contributions to mathematics, optics, and continuum mechanics and his later role as Secretary and President of the Royal Society, particularly during the period of the Creation versus Evolution controversy. The Chapter touches on his family life and religious views, including his interest in the relation between science and religion, concluding with outline of his public life as a Member of Parliament for Cambridge University and mentioning the many honours which were accorded to him in later years.