Hermann von Helmholtz
By Maiah Hambrick Hour 6
The Beginning of Time
Achievements
Helmholtz had many Achievements during his life. From publishing books to teaching, he always seemed to succeed. He published his very famous physics treatise about the Conservation of Energy. In this he explains the history of the idea which was created or formulated by Mayer, Joule and himself. Along the way he got many teaching opportunities : In 1850, he became the professor of Physiology and General Pathology at Koenigsberg and a year later he invented the ophthalmoscope in 1851. Which caused a huge effect on us today because it enabled him to make the retina visible for the first time. He later created the ophthalmometer which is used for measuring corneal curvature. The next teaching opportunity he got was in 1859 at Heidelberg. Here he became a professor of Physiology and this is where he gained his fame from his findings regarding human sight and his other investigations about the mechanical causes of vocal sounds.
He was also the first scientist to measure the wavelengths of ultraviolet light. He also created the "three component theory of colour vision" which later came into play with the colored television. He formulated the first main theorem of thermodynamics and became one of the founding fathers of modern meterology through his mathematical studies on thunderstorms, cyclones, air and water waves, and also glaciers.
Though, Helmholtz should have many more awards instead of just titles, in 1873 he received the Copley Medal.
Resources
1. "The Awarding of the Copley Medal and the 'discovery' of the Law of Conservation of Energy: Joule, Mayer and Helmholtz Revisited." The Awarding of the Copley Medal and the 'discovery' of the Law of Conservation of Energy: Joule, Mayer and Helmholtz Revisited. N.p., n.d. Web. 12 Dec. 2014
2.
"Universal Scholar with a Sense for the Practical." Hermann Von Helmholtz. N.p., n.d. Web. 12 Dec. 2014.
3.
Patton, Lydia. "Hermann Von Helmholtz." Stanford University. Stanford University, 18 Feb. 2008. Web. 12 Dec. 2014.
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