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Pierre Duhem
Citations:
Ariew, Roger. “Pierre Duhem.” Stanford Encyclopedia of Philosophy, 8 Mar. 2022, plato.stanford.edu/entries/duhem/. Ariew, Roger. “Pierre Duhem.” Stanford Encyclopedia of Philosophy, 8 Mar. 2022, plato.stanford.edu/entries/duhem/. Ariew, Roger. “Pierre Duhem.” Stanford Encyclopedia of Philosophy, 8 Mar. 2022, plato.stanford.edu/entries/duhem/. -
Electrochemical Cells
In 1884 while studying at École Normale, Pierre Duhem published his first work on electrochemical cells. He also put forth his thesis on thermodynamic potential in physics and chemistry defining the criterion for chemical reactions. This was against Marcellin Berthelot's theory and although it was correct, the thesis is rejected due to Marcellin Berthelot's influence. -
Career Tribulations
Although his thesis was rejected by Marcellin Berthelot, Pierre Duhem officially published his thesis of the criterion of chemical reactions. His corrections to the prior theory were right, but still his challenge of the old thesis slowed his career in the scientific community due to Marcellin Berthelot becoming French Minister of Education in 1886. -
Hydrodynamics, Elasticity, and Acoustics
In 1891 Pierre Duhem published his thesis on hydrodynamics, elasticity, and acoustics. He was teaching these lectures at the Lille Catholic University in France from 1887-1893. This is also where he obtained his Doctoral degree in physics. He was an astound catholic which set him apart from other scientists in this time period whom considered themselves liberal and "free thinking". He will continue to teach Primarily thermodynamics until 1900 in Rennes and Bordeaux. -
Summary of Duhem's Life
https://youtu.be/WeNm4bTIvYQ Although not movie quality, this video sums up Pierre Duhems' many struggles and achievements. Pierre Duhem in my mind embodied the kind of person we picture as a scientist. He published bold thesis that didn't necessarily go with what everyone else believed at this time. Due to this he did not ever teach in Paris which was the ultimate accolade at the time, but instead taught in outlying regions in France.