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John Tyndall (1820 - 1893)
One of John Tydall more significant contributions to the field of science was in his study of different gasses' abilities to absorb radiant heat in the form of infrared radiation. Through experimentation, he was one of the first to correct the heat absorbing capacities of many gasses, water vapor being the most efficient of them. His landmark research would be further expanded upon later to help with the identification of greenhouse gasses as well. -
John Tyndall (1820 - 1893)
Pope Pius IX issued a decree in 1864 that ran absolutely counter to what Tyndall was teaching the masses at his nationwide lectures; that reason was the ultimate standard for knowledge. This action further divided the spiritual and scientific communities. -
John Tyndall (1820 - 1893)
As the President of the "British Association for the Advancement of Science," Tyndall gave a long speech during their annual meeting about the importance of the separation of science and religion. a direct quote from the transcription reads
"All religious theories … which otherwise reach into the domain of science, must, in so far as they do this, submit to the control of science, and relinquish all thought of controlling it." -
John Tyndall (1820 - 1893)
Citation for previous slide quote “Address Delivered Before the British Association Assembled at Belfast, With Additions, 1874.” Address Delivered Before the British Association Assembled at Belfast, With Additions (1874), www.victorianweb.org/science/science_texts/belfast.html. -
John Tyndall (1820 - 1893)
Later in his life, Tyndall would medicate himself with Chloral Hydrate to treat his documented insomnia. Unfortunately, he would eventually succumb to an (apparently accidental) fatal overdose administered by his wife at age 73. Following his death, his wife was put in charge of publishing his unpublished papers and works, as well as an official biography. She never did end up finishing this task. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ObZ_ymaM4BY
