Origins & Early Life

Ernst Pascual Jordan (German: [ˈɛʁnst pasˈku̯al ˈjɔʁdan]; 18 October 1902 – 31 July 1980) was a German theoretical and mathematical physicist who made significant contributions to quantum mechanics and quantum field theory. He contributed much to the mathematical form of matrix mechanics, and developed canonical anticommutation relations for fermions. He introduced Jordan algebras in an effort to formalize quantum field theory; the algebras have since found numerous applications within mathematics. Jordan joined the Nazi Party in 1933, but did not follow the Deutsche Physik movement, which at the time rejected quantum physics developed by Albert Einstein and other Jewish physicists.

Pivotal Works & Achievements

After the Second World War, he entered politics for the conservative party CDU and served as a member of parliament from 1957 to 1961. Jordan was born to Ernst Pasqual Jordan (1858–1924) and Eva Fischer. Ernst Jordan was a painter renowned for his portraits and landscapes. He was an associate professor of art at Hannover Technical University when his son was born. The family name was originally Jorda and it was of Spanish origin.

Enduring Legacy & Impact

The first born sons were all given the name...

Contemporary Figures & Related Historical Timelines

• Alfred Kastler — Contemporary (Born in 1902) (1902): Pioneering physicist known for developing the technique of optical pumping.
• Ansel Adams — Contemporary (Born in 1902) (1902): Iconic photographer and environmentalist celebrated for the American West's landscapes.
• Barbara McClintock — Contemporary (Born in 1902) (1902): Pioneering cytogeneticist known for discovering maize transposons and genetic recombination.
• Abby Wambach — Contemporary (Born in 1980) (1980): Iconic American soccer forward, celebrated for her goal-scoring prowess and longevity.
• Adande Thorne — Contemporary (Born in 1980) (1980): Trinidadian-American YouTuber, animator, comedian, and actor known as Swoozie.
• Alejo Carpentier — Contemporary (Died in 1980) (1980): Influential Cuban novelist, essayist, and musicologist of the Latin American Boom.
• Canaletto — Shared historical date (10-18 · Born) (1697): Master Vedutista: Celebrated painter of Venetian and Roman cityscapes.
• Charles Babbage — Shared historical date (10-18 · Died) (1871): Pioneering polymath credited with originating the concept of the digital programmable computer.
• Alan Parker — Shared historical date (07-31 · Died) (2020): Acclaimed English filmmaker known for genre versatility and numerous BAFTA and Golden Globe wins.
• Bill Russell — Shared historical date (07-31 · Died) (2022): Center for the Boston Celtics, a 12-time champion and basketball legend.
• 1902 Historical Timeline & Archive — Explore world events and figures from 1902
• October 18 (10-18) On This Day — Historical birthdays and events on October 18
• 1980 Historical Timeline & Archive — Explore world events and figures from 1980
• July 31 (07-31) On This Day — Historical events and memorials on July 31