Julius Robert von Mayer (1814–78)
DOI: 10.1063/PT.5.031360
Today is the birthday of physicist Julius Robert von Mayer, who was born in Heilbronn, Württemburg (now Germany), in 1814. Originally trained as a physician, he became interested in the mechanics and transfer of heat while serving aboard a ship. His interest in the topic led him to become one of the first people to formulate the first law of thermodynamics: that energy can be neither created nor destroyed in a closed system. Von Mayer’s work was initially overlooked because he was not versed in scientific writing, and the idea of the conservation of energy was not quickly accepted by many other scientists. He did later receive recognition for his work, including an honorary doctorate from the University of Tübingen.
Date in History: 25 November 1814
