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Video History on Pierre Dunhem
Attached is a short educational video Professor Ariew describes Dunhems challenges growing up in deciding the direction of education and career choices he was about to face.
Professor Ariew on Pierre Dunhem -
His Studies Begin
Pierre was a quick mind at a young age. He began his education at the École Normale. This institution would prepare him to become an engineer. Pierre's achievements were excelled in mathematics, Latin, Greek, and Science. Not only did he rank first in this institution, but he also ranked first at the École Polytechinque. -
First Publication
As a third-year student, Pierre goes on to publish his first paper on electrochemical cells. This year was a crucial time in Dunhem's career where it was brought to a halt. Dunhem submitted a doctoral thesis on thermodynamic potential in physics and chemistry. Which was then rejected by Marcellin Berthelot. -
Education & Career, Side by Side
The next few years, Dunhem would go on to become a professor at Lille. He spent from October 13, 1887, through 1893 lecturing on hydrodynamics, acoustics, and elasticity. During these years he met his wife Adèle Chayet. They were to have two daughters. Sadly Adèle and the second child died during childbirth. This devastation created a burden in his work life. -
A Start to Major Publications
Pierre became a member of the Academie des Science. Others viewed his approaches as very modern. He continued his career in those studies of mathematics and physics and thermodynamics. As well as magnetism. -
La Théorie physique Son objet sa structure
Physical theory, its object, and structure were written in 1906 by Pierre Dunhem. As a French philosopher of science, historian, and scientist his work was considered controversial during the time of its publication. His position on theoretical physics was also considered abstract. He wrote, "This writing will be a simple logical analysis of the method by which physical science advances." -
Études des Léonard de Vinci
Études des Léonard de Vinci Ceux qu'il a lus et ceux qui l'ont lu, is Dunhems observations on Leonardo de Vinci. His understanding of statics and friction and applying them to his studies that would aid to his career in physics. -
Le Système du monde; Histoire de doctrines cosmologiques, de Platon à Copernic
The World System; History of Cosmological Doctrines from Plate to Copernicus, consisting of 10 volumes. Out of the ten volumes, only five were completed by the time of his death. His topics range from astronomical to physical topics which laid a foundation out of the medieval age to modern science.