John Herschel
English polymath (1792–1871) / From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
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Sir John Frederick William Herschel, 1st Baronet KH FRS (/ˈhɜːrʃəl, ˈhɛər-/;[2] 7 March 1792 – 11 May 1871)[1] was an English polymath active as a mathematician, astronomer, chemist, inventor, and experimental photographer who invented the blueprint[3][4][5] and did botanical work.[6]
John Herschel | |
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-34-(brightness).jpg) John Herschel, 1835 mezzotint by W. Ward, after H. W. Pickersgill | |
| Born | John Frederick William Herschel (1792-03-07)7 March 1792[1] Slough, Buckinghamshire, England |
| Died | 11 May 1871(1871-05-11) (aged 79)[1] Collingwood, near Hawkhurst, Kent, England |
| Resting place | Westminster Abbey |
| Education | Eton College |
| Alma mater | St John's College, Cambridge |
| Known for | contributions to the invention of photography |
| Spouse(s) | Margaret Herschel, née Brodie Stewart |
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| Scientific career | |
| Fields | Astronomy, photography, chemistry, optics, botany, philosophy of science |
Herschel originated the use of the Julian day system in astronomy. He named seven moons of Saturn and four moons of Uranus – the seventh planet, discovered by his father Sir William Herschel. He made many contributions to the science of photography, and investigated colour blindness and the chemical power of ultraviolet rays. His Preliminary Discourse (1831), which advocated an inductive approach to scientific experiment and theory-building, was an important contribution to the philosophy of science.[7]