Christian Ludwig Gersten was an intriguing German scientist and mathematician. Though not a household name today, he made some fascinating discoveries in the early 1700s – most notably overturning the prevailing misconception about the nature of dew. He also devised an early calculating machine design. However, Gersten later faced political controversy and imprisonment due to tensions with a local ruler.
Let‘s start by reviewing Gersten‘s background and then dive deeper into his most interesting contributions…as well as the trouble he found himself in later on!
Overview of Gersten‘s Early Life and Education
Christian Ludwig Gersten (also seen as Gerstein in some texts) was born on February 7, 1701 in Gießen, Germany. This town is located in the central region of Germany, not far from Frankfurt.
As a young man, Gersten studied law and mathematics at the University of Gießen. This institution had a strong foundation in liberal arts dating back to the 16th century. Gersten clearly thrived in this educational environment.
After completing his university studies, Gersten embarked on further learning adventures abroad. In the early 1730s, he traveled to London, England looking to expand his mathematical knowledge even further. This experience proved fruitful, as his talents were recognized by prestigious English institutions, as we‘ll explore more below.
Honored by the Royal Society for Groundbreaking Dew Discovery
While in England, Gersten diligently experimented with scientific instruments like barometers. He carefully studied how changes in atmospheric conditions correlated with the rise and fall of liquid in the barometers.
These experiments led Gersten to a groundbreaking discovery that overturned a long-held belief about the nature of dew. Specifically, he scientifically proved that dew does not simply fall from the sky overnight. Rather, it forms from moisture condensing locally on surfaces like grass, leaves, and equipment.
Gersten documented his experimental process and findings in a highly-regarded dissertation later published as a book titled Tentamina Systematis Novi ad Mutationes Barometri ex Natura elateris Aerei demonstrandas, cui adjecta sub finem Dissertatio Roris decidui errorem Antiquum et vulgarem per Observationes et Experimenta Nova excutiens.
For this important contribution expanding knowledge of atmospheric water cycles, Gersten was named a Fellow of England‘s prestigious Royal Society in 1733. This honor from the U.K.‘s national science academy was a huge feather in his cap at just 32 years old.
Key Written Works by Christian Ludwig Gersten
+ Tentamina Systematis Novi ad Mutationes Barometri ex Natura elateris Aerei demonstrandas, cui adjecta sub finem Dissertatio Roris decidui errorem Antiquum et vulgarem per Observationes et Experimenta Nova excutiens (1733)
+ Textbook on astronomy, physics, and mathematics topics (Exact titles not available)After this meteorology breakthrough, Gersten returned to Germany in 1733. He accepted an appointment as Professor of Mathematics at his long-time home – the University of Gießen.
Early Calculating Machine Design Presented in London
In addition to making discoveries through scientific experimentation, Gersten also worked on innovating new technology. In particular, he developed plans for an early calculating machine – what we might think of today as an analog computer used to perform mathematical operations.
Gersten traveled back to London in 1735 to present these machine plans to the Royal Society. While creative, it sadly does not appear he was ever able to construct a full working version of this calculating device. Nonetheless, the conceptualization was still ahead of its time.
Imprisonment After Running Afoul of Local Ruler
So with all his scientific and mathematical prowess, how did Christian Ludwig Gersten end up imprisoned for over a decade later in life? This stems from getting caught up in regional political tensions of the era.
Specifically, Gersten wrote a petition in 1744 to Landgraf Georg II, the Count of Hesse-Darmstadt at the time. There was already friction between the two, and the Landgraf considered Gersten‘s petition offensive.
In retaliation, the Landgraf had Gersten arrested in 1748. After attempting to appeal the charges, Gersten was sentenced to life detention at the fortress Marxburg bey Braubach.
Remarkably, despite being jailed, Gersten was permitted to continue teaching mathematics to local students. This speaks to his stellar reputation as an academic. However after 12 years incarcerated, he was eager to be free again. Gersten was finally granted release in 1760.
Unfortunately his freedom was short-lived – Gersten passed away just two years later in 1762 at the age of 61. The location was Frankfurt am Main, not far from his college town of Gießen.
So in the end, Christian Ludwig Gersten clearly left a legacy of important scientific contributions in meteorology and computing. But he was also viewed warily by those in power for his strong intellect and conviction in speaking his mind. His imprisonment late in life underscores the political sensitivities navigated by prominent academics of the time period.
Reference materials utilized: German Wikipedia page on Gersten; Royal Society citation on his dew research; short science history article in German at History-Computer.com
And there you have it – the highs and lows of 18th century scientist Christian Ludwig Gersten! Let me know if you have any other questions on this fascinating historical figure.
