Ludwig Boltzmann, 1844 - 1906

• Boltzmannn developed statistical mechanics, which describes how atomic properties decide the perceptible properties of matter

• Boltzmann's equation, which expresses entropy in terms of probability

• Especially interested in the second law of thermodynamics

• At the center of philosophical debates:

  • Do atoms exist – even though no experiments could detect them directly at the time

• Committed suicide in 1906

• His equation was engraved on his headstone:

Previous slide

Next slide

Back to first slide

View graphic version