Ernst Mach "Physicist and Philosopher" 1838-1916

By ballascr1983

  • Born in Moravia, Austria

    Born in Moravia, Austrian Empire. Now near present day Brno-Chrlice, Czech Republic.

  • Begins work on "Doppler Theory"

    Provided work to help prove Christian Doppler's sound and light wave propagation concepts. Mach devised a simple experiment that was able to prove that the Doppler effect was real, at least for sound. He developed techniques to measure sound waves and created a scale for measurements. He named it after himself. The Mach number. It was the ratio of speed of sound to the speed of the object. It's not absolute and is relative. Doppler Effect

  • Enrolled at the University of Vienna

    Studies physics, mathematics, and philosophy

  • Receives his Doctorate in Physics from University of Vienna

    Although his primary studies were in physics he was very interested and studied philosophy and human physiology.

  • Serves as Professor of Math at University of Graz

  • Serves as Professor of Experimental Physics, Charles University in Prague

  • Marries Ludovica "Louise" Marussig

    Met in Graz, Austria in 1866. Married in 1867. Had 5 children. She was highly involved and supportive of his philanthropic career.

  • Publishes "The History and Root of the Principles of the Conservation of Energy"

    Published this as his interpretation of the conservation of energy. Claiming that it's not a product of mechanical physics and provides his definition of mass. First published in German, 1872. Translated to english 1911. Ernst, Mach. "The History and Root of the Principles of the Conservation of Energy" 1872

  • Publishes "The Science of Mechanics" (First Edition)

    This is his primary study. His comprehensive work on the foundations of mechanics. Mach shows that the laws of mechanics are not absolute but are relative to the observer. He counters Newton's Laws. He also shows that inertia is not a property of matter but is a result of the interaction of bodies with the rest of the universe. Mach's Principle Mach, Ernst. "The Science of Mechanics". 1883

  • Publishes "The Analysis of Sensations"

    Develops his philosophy of science. That all knowledge is based on sensory experience and that the mind is a result of environment on the senses and perception.

  • Serves as Professor of History and Philosophy, University of Vienna

  • Suffers a Paralytic Stroke

    Partially paralysis on the right side of his body.

  • Retires, joins Austrian Parliament

  • Albert Einstein Publishes his Special Theory of Relativity

    Einstein's work is heavily influenced by Mach's ideas on motion, mechanics, and constancy of speed of light. The Mach principle was paramount in the development of his theory of general relativity.

  • Publishes Autobiography

  • Moves to Germany

    Moves closer to his son Ludwig Mach, a long time contributor who helped him with many of his experiments over his career.

  • Dies in Vaterstetten, Germany