Lord Kelvin was a groundbreaking scientist known for his influential theories, and he was one of the first to achieve wealth through patenting his inventions. His contributions to science were significant, marking advancements in various fields that set the stage for modern scientific understanding.

Despite his remarkable intellect and success, Lord Kelvin struggled with determining the age of the Earth. This paradox highlights that even the most brilliant minds can grapple with complex concepts, illustrating the challenges that come with advancing scientific knowledge. Bill Bryson's "A Short History of Nearly Everything" presents this intriguing aspect of Kelvin's legacy.