Carl H. Hermann facts for kids

Carl Heinrich Hermann (born June 17, 1898 – died September 12, 1961) was a German scientist. He was a physicist and a crystallographer. A crystallographer is someone who studies crystals and their structures. Carl Hermann was famous for his work on how crystals are shaped and organized. He also helped create ways to name and describe these crystal patterns.

Carl Hermann's Life

Early Life and Learning

Carl Hermann was born in a German port town called Wesermünde. His family had a long history of working in the church.

He went to the University of Göttingen to study math and physics. In 1923, he earned his doctorate degree. This was like getting a very advanced degree in his field. He learned from famous scientists like Max Born and was a fellow student with Werner Heisenberg.

After finishing his studies, he moved to Berlin-Dahlem. There, he worked with Herman Francis Mark at the Kaiser Wilhelm Institute. Later, in 1925, he joined Paul Peter Ewald at the University of Stuttgart. By 1931, he completed another important step in his academic career.

His Work with Crystals

While in Stuttgart, Carl Hermann and Paul Ewald helped grow the field of crystallography. This is the study of how atoms are arranged in solid materials. They especially looked at something called "space groups." These are like different ways to arrange patterns in 3D space.

They also started a very important project called Strukturbericht (Structure Report). This was a series of books that listed every known crystal structure. It became a key reference for scientists around the world. Carl Hermann also figured out how different materials behave based on their crystal structure.

During a difficult time in Germany, Carl Hermann disagreed with how the government was controlling science. So, he left his university job. He started working as a physicist for a large company called I.G. Farben. There, he continued his research on crystals and their patterns.

Helping Others During World War II

During World War II, Carl Hermann and his wife, Eva Hermann, were Quakers. Quakers are a religious group known for promoting peace. They were also pacifists, meaning they believed in solving problems without violence.

They bravely helped people who were in danger. They provided food, clothes, and other help to those who were being forced to leave their homes. They even hid people in their own home to keep them safe from the authorities.

In 1943, Carl and Eva were arrested because of their actions. However, Carl's scientific work was considered very important. So, he received a less severe sentence of eight years in prison. Eva was sentenced to three years. Carl was even allowed to continue his research while in prison. He would go to his lab during the day and return to his cell at night. After two years, they were both released when the war ended.

After the War

After the war, Carl Hermann taught for a short time at Darmstadt Polytechnic. Then, in 1947, he became a professor of crystallography at the University of Marburg. He led the Crystallographic Institute there until he passed away. In Marburg, his research helped create the foundation for understanding complex crystal patterns.

Carl Hermann's Impact

Hermann–Mauguin Notation

Carl Hermann, along with another scientist named Charles-Victor Mauguin, created a special way to describe crystal patterns. This system is called the Hermann–Mauguin notation. It became the international standard for describing how crystals are arranged.

Righteous Among the Nations

In 1976, Carl Hermann and his wife Eva were honored for their brave actions during the war. They received the title "Righteous Among the Nations" from Yad Vashem. This honor is given to non-Jewish people who risked their lives to save Jews during the Holocaust. Eva Hermann later said that she and her husband simply tried to "remain human in the midst of inhumanity."

Carl Hermann Medal

In 1994, the German Crystallographic Society created the Carl Hermann Medal. This is their highest award. It is given to scientists who have made amazing contributions to the study of crystals.

See also

• Hermann–Mauguin notation
• Strukturbericht designation
• Werner Fischer