 |
Horace SaussureSwiss naturalist, one of the founders of descriptive geology. The first to study the geological structure of the Alps. Works on botany, meteorology, glacier movement, etc.
Date of Birth: 17.02.1740
Country:  Switzerland |
Content:
- Horace-Bénédict de Saussure
- Geological Explorations and Discoveries
- Scientific Inventions
- Improved thermometer: to measure temperature at depths
- Microscopy and Infusoria
- Legacy and Family
Horace-Bénédict de Saussure
Swiss naturalist and one of the founders of descriptive geology. A renowned Swiss geologist and physicist (1740-99), the son of Nicolas S. (1700-90), the author of several works on agronomy. At age 22, S. held the chair of philosophy at the Geneva Academy, which he retained until 1786. He was a member of the council of two hundred and of the "national assembly."
Geological Explorations and Discoveries
His numerous geological excursions to the Alps, Jura, Vosges, and other regions, as well as his ascents of Vesuvius and Etna (whose height he determined barometrically), enriched geology with valuable material presented in his work: "Voyages dans les Alpes" (1779-96, 4 vols). S. also studied botany.
Scientific Inventions
S. invented many physical and meteorological instruments, such as:Diaphanometer: to measure atmospheric transparency
Cyanometer: to measure the blue color of the sky
Hygrometer with hair: laid the foundation for hygrometry, as described in his "Essaie sur l'hygrométrie" (1783)
Improved thermometer: to measure temperature at depths
Electrometer: to measure atmospheric electricityInstrument for determining the hardness of minerals: "L'usage du chalumeau en minéralogie"
Microscopy and Infusoria
His association with Spallanzani led him to study infusoria, where he discovered their reproduction by division.
Legacy and Family
His son, Nicolas-Théodore S. (1767-1845), initially assisted him in his physical work but later devoted himself to chemistry and plant physiology. The results of his research were published in 1804 under the title: "Recherches chimiques sur la végétation"; his studies on plant nutrition provided a foundation for modern agricultural chemistry.
