Hermann von Helmholtz

Hermann Ludwig Ferdinand von Helmholtz (August 31, 1821 – September 8, 1894) was a scientist and researcher of great significance and accomplishment. He wrote about everything from acoustics to the origin of the solar system.

Helmholtz's accomplishments range from the Thermodynamic's Law of Conservation of Energy which he discovered while researching the metabolism of muscles to acoustics and the study of electromagnetic waves. He is best known for the his wave equation or the "Helmholtz equation" as it is now called. He also developed a device for use in his acoustic research, the Helmholtz Resonantor. In simple terms, it allowed him to determine the volume of sound at a specific pitch.

He wrote a book on acoustics, "On the Sensation of Tone" which is still highly regarded. He also developed the Ophthalmoscope, a device that, in modern form, is still used today during routine eye exams to determine the health of the retina and vitreous humor.

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