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Birth and Major Works of John Tyndell
Born in 1820 in Leighlinbridge, County Carlow, Ireland, John Tyndall was a man of science, investigating into many fields of science to include, the formation of glaciers, radiation, magnetism and even being one of the first scientists to provide experimental confirmation of the “greenhouse effect”. John Tyndall contributed much to the philosophy of science, both through his research on various subjects and his views on the separation of religious beliefs and scientific practices. -
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John Tyndall
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Green House Effect
Starting in 1859, Tyndall in a month process, developed an experiment into the “greenhouse effect” the phenomenon that the earth’s atmosphere allows heat in, but does not let it back out. Becoming one of the first to theorize on this. His finding were complied in his Collection “Contributions to Molecular Physics in the Domain of Radiant Heat.” -
Experiments on Sound
In his book Sound, published in 1867, Tyndall complies a series of lectures on resonance and the effects of temperature on the propagation of sound. See the attached video for a demonstration of some of Tyndalls experiments on sound and resonance through objects. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=agFBsON_Fpc -
Separation of Church and Science
In a keynote speech, given to members of the “British Association for the Advancement of Science” in 1874, Tyndall spoke in favor of Darwin’s theory of evolution, concluding that religious beliefs should not “intrude on the region of knowledge.” In his book "Fragments of Science for Unscientific people" Tyndall stressed that the world was “as far as we are concerned, is incapable of solution” and emphasized that we “acknowledge our ignorance, priest and philosopher.” -
Death and Legacy of John Tyndall
John Tyndall died in 1893 of an overdose of Chloral hydrate, given to him by his then wife. Tyndall is remembered through his scientific achievements and his opinions on the separation of church and science.