Elihu Thomson (1853-1937), American electrical engineer. He moved from England to the USA when young. After graduating, he taught chemistry and physics, forming a partnership with fellow teacher Edwin J. Houston. They designed an arc-lighting system, the funds from which allowed them to set up the Thomson- Houston Electric Company in 1883. This merged with Edison's Electric Company to form General Electric in 1892. Thomson filed over 700 patents, including ones for generators, AC motors & electric welders. He also proposed the use of a helium-oxygen mix to prevent decompression illness in divers. He was awarded the John Fritz medal.