Arthur James Arnot (26 August 1865 – 15 October 1946) was an electrical engineer and inventor, best known for patenting the world's first electric drill. He later designed the Spencer Street Power Station, Victoria.
Arnot was born at Hamilton, Scotland to William and Elizabeth Helen Arnot. He received his education at the West of Scotland Technical College, Glasgow, while working part time at an electrical company. In 1889 he traveled to Melbourne to build an alternating current power plant. The same year, on 20 August, he patented the electric drill.[1][2] Originally on a two-year contract by Union Electric Company, Arnot was appointed City Electrical Engineer in 1891. During the first two years of this tenure he was responsible for the installation of the city's street lighting system. In the years 1894–1901, he designed and later managed the Spencer Street Power Station.[2] From 1901 to 1929 Arnot held the position of Australasian Manager of Babcock and Wilcox.[2]
In 1928, one year before his retirement, Arnot became involved in a corruption scandal over a May 1926 contract acquired by Babcock and Wilcox. The investigation revealed that alderman S. J. Maling had demanded a £10,000 bribe. Arnot, who had represented Babcock and Wilcox in the negotiations, was admonished, and the company was fined. Maling received a six-month prison sentence.[1]
Arnot married Cornelia Ann, daughter of former mayor Cornelius Job Ham,[3] in August 1889. They had four children.[1] He later married Dora Christine, née Shewan, with whom he had two children.[1] In his later years, Arnot acquired a farm in Batlow, New South Wales. Originally intended for his two sons, the 100 acres (0.40 km2) of apple and pear trees were tended by Arnot, after his sons turned to sheep farming. He is described as a "keen fisherman",[1] and was also a member of the Royal Sydney Golf Club.