-
Born
Born in Leighlinbridge, Ireland. -
Began Study at University of Marburg, Germany
-
Met Thomas Huxley
Tyndall met Thomas Huxley leading him to join Huxley’s Dining Club. This club included many prominent natural scientists who supported Charles Darwin’s theories of natural evolution. The club’s purpose was to steer the Royal Society of London towards a liberal science, free from interpretations of natural history by the Bible. John Tyndall’s role as Professor at the Royal Institute in London and his attractive lectures allowed him to convey the club’s ideas to a wide audience. -
Elected as Fellow of the Royal Society
-
Professor of Natural Philosophy
John Tyndall was appointed as Professor of Natural Philosophy at the Royal Institution in London. -
Thermal Radiation Experiment
John Tyndall revealed the results of his experiments with thermal radiation in gases. This included his experiment to study the absorption rates of radiation in different gases using a modified apparatus originally used to measure temperature difference of various solutions. This led to the discovery that certain molecules, such as carbon dioxide, function as effective greenhouse gases.
Tyndall, John. “The Rede Lecture.” Fragments of Science. 6th ed., London: Longmans, Green, and Co, 1879 -
Address to University College in London
In an address to students at the University College in London, John Tyndall emphasized the need for modern scientists to separate the classical studies of language, philosophy, and theology from the scientific pursuit of empirical knowledge. He explained that the emotion which accompanies language, art, and theological studies should be cherished as an important constituent of being a well-rounded human, and that emotion should not be carried into the scientific method. He warned against...... -
Published "Fragments of Science"
1871 – Fragments of Science was published which was a compilation of many different essays and papers Tyndall wrote describing various experiments and lectures he performed over the years. In addition to his results on radiation, chemical reactions to light, disease pathogens, magnetism, and his travels to the Alps and Algeria, Fragments of Science also included a somewhat amusing account of his experience at a dinner which featured a “spiritual medium.” All of his inquiries into the nature... -
Death
Louisa (wife) administered an accidental overdose of chloral hydrate to relieve insomnia, leading to his death. -
Video
A short clip mentioning a few discoveries of John Tyndall.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ljHCiyrLwh4
