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George Wilhelm Richmann (1711-1753) professor of Natural History at St Petersburg, Russia
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George Wilhelm Richmann (1711-1753) professor of Natural History at St Petersburg, Russia
George Wilhelm Richmann (1711-1753) professor of Natural History at St Petersburg, Russia. Already interested in the electrical nature of thunderstorms, he repeated Benjamin Franklins kite experiment and was killed by ball-lightning on 6 August 1753. The first person to be killed while conducting an electrical experiment. Engraving from Les Merveilles de la Science by Louis Figuier (Paris c1870)
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Media ID 9754801
© Universal History Archive/Universal Images Group
1753 August Benjamin C1870 Conducting Electrical Electricity Experiment Figuier Franklin George Interested Killed Kite Louis Merveilles Meteorology Natural Paris Person Petersburg Physics Professor Repeated Science Scientist Wilhelm Ball Lightning Thunderstorms
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This engraving from Les Merveilles de la Science by Louis Figuier (Paris c1870) depicts George Wilhelm Richmann, a renowned professor of Natural History at St Petersburg, Russia. A distinguished scientist of his time, Richmann's curiosity was piqued by the electrical nature of thunderstorms. Eager to explore this phenomenon further, he decided to replicate Benjamin Franklin's famous kite experiment. Tragically, fate had a different plan for him. On that fateful day of 6 August 1753, while conducting his daring electrical experiment, Richmann became the first person in history to be killed during such research. The cause? Ball-lightning struck with an unexpected and deadly force. This poignant image serves as a reminder of the risks scientists have taken throughout history in their pursuit of knowledge and understanding. It immortalizes George Wilhelm Richmann as both a pioneer and martyr in the field of electricity and meteorology. The intricate details captured within this engraving transport us back to an era when scientific exploration was met with great danger yet fueled by unyielding passion. It is a testament to human curiosity and our unwavering desire to unravel the mysteries surrounding us. As we gaze upon this historical print, let us remember those who came before us—brave souls like George Wilhelm Richmann—who fearlessly ventured into uncharted territories so that we may comprehend our world just a little bit better.
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