Origins & Early Life

Wilhelm Eduard Weber ( WEB-er or VEY-ber; German: [ˈveːbɐ] ; 24 October 1804 – 23 June 1891) was a German physicist and, together with Carl Friedrich Gauss, inventor of the first electromagnetic telegraph. Weber was born in Schlossstrasse in Wittenberg, where his father, Michael Weber, was Professor of Theology at the local university. The building in which they lived had previously been the home of Abraham Vater. Wilhelm was the second of three brothers, all of whom were distinguished by an aptitude for science.

Pivotal Works & Achievements

After the dissolution of the University of Wittenberg in 1817, his father was transferred to the university in Halle. Wilhelm had received his first lessons from his father, but was now sent to the Orphan Asylum and Grammar School in Halle. After that he entered the university and devoted himself to natural philosophy. He distinguished himself so much in his classes, and by original work, that after taking his degree of Doctor and becoming a Privatdozent, he was appointed as Professor Extraordinarius of Natural Philosophy at Halle. In 1831, on the recommendation of Carl Friedrich Gauss, he was hired by the University of Göttingen...

Enduring Legacy & Impact

The historical impact and works continue to influence the modern world.

Contemporary Figures & Related Historical Timelines

• Benjamin Disraeli — Contemporary (Born in 1804) (1804): British statesman and Conservative leader, known for defining the modern Conservative Party.
• Carl Gustav Jacob Jacobi — Contemporary (Born in 1804) (1804): Pioneering German mathematician known for elliptic functions and differential equations.
• Joseph Priestley — Contemporary (Died in 1804) (1804): Polymath chemist, Unitarian theologian, and pioneer of modern gas science.
• Antonio Gramsci — Contemporary (Born in 1891) (1891): Italian Marxist philosopher known for his theory of cultural hegemony.
• Arthur Rimbaud — Contemporary (Died in 1891) (1891): Transgressive French poet whose work profoundly influenced modern literature and surrealism.
• B. R. Ambedkar — Contemporary (Born in 1891) (1891): Pioneering jurist, economist, and social reformer who shaped modern India.
• Antonie van Leeuwenhoek — Shared historical date (10-24 · Born) (1632): Pioneering Dutch microscopist, known as the Father of Microbiology.
• Bob Kane — Shared historical date (10-24 · Born) (1915): Pioneering American comic book artist, co-creator of Batman, and animator.
• Aaron Spelling — Shared historical date (06-23 · Died) (2006): Pioneering American producer of hit TV series like Dynasty and Beverly Hills, 90210.
• Alan Turing — Shared historical date (06-23 · Born) (1912): Father of theoretical computer science, known for the Turing machine and codebreaking.
• 1804 Historical Timeline & Archive — Explore world events and figures from 1804
• October 24 (10-24) On This Day — Historical birthdays and events on October 24
• 1891 Historical Timeline & Archive — Explore world events and figures from 1891
• June 23 (06-23) On This Day — Historical events and memorials on June 23