Friedrich Hoffmann facts for kids
Friedrich Hoffmann (born February 19, 1660, died November 12, 1742) was a very important German doctor and chemist. He was also known as Frederick Hoffmann in English. His family had been involved in medicine for 200 years before he was born.
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Life and Education
Friedrich Hoffmann was born in Halle, a city in Germany. He went to a local school called a gymnasium. There, he learned to love and be good at mathematics. He believed this skill helped him a lot later in his life.
When he was 18, he started studying medicine at the University of Jena. In 1680, he moved to Erfurt to learn about chemistry from Kasper Cramer. The next year, he went back to Jena. He earned his doctor's degree and was allowed to teach.
Early Career and Travels
Studying so much made him tired, so in 1682, he left his many students. He started working as a doctor in Minden. A relative who had an important job in Minden asked him to come.
After working in Minden for two years, Hoffmann traveled to Holland and England. He met many famous chemists and doctors there. In late 1684, he returned to Minden. Over the next three years, he received many good job offers. In 1688, he moved to Halberstadt, a place with more opportunities. He became the official doctor for the Halberstadt area.
Professor and Royal Physician
In 1693, a new university was started in Halle. It was called the University of Halle. Hoffmann was chosen to be the main professor of medicine and natural philosophy there. He was even the rector (like a president) of the university three times.
For four years (1708–1712), he worked in Berlin as the royal doctor for the king. Besides that time, Hoffmann spent the rest of his life in Halle. He taught, practiced medicine, and studied. Sometimes, he visited different royal courts in Germany. His skills earned him many honors and rewards.
His fame spread all over Europe. He became a member of many important scientific groups in other countries. For example, he was elected a Fellow of the Royal Society in 1720. In Germany, he became a privy councilor, which is a high-ranking advisor. Friedrich Hoffmann died in Halle on November 12, 1742.
Important Discoveries and Writings
Friedrich Hoffmann wrote many books and papers. His most important work was Medicina rationalis systematica. He started writing it when he was sixty years old, and it was published in 1730. This book was later translated into French. A full collection of his works was published in Geneva in 1740.
He also studied mineral waters. These are special waters from springs that are believed to have health benefits. He was one of the first to really study them scientifically. He found out that most mineral springs had things like lime and magnesia in them. He even wrote about healing springs as early as 1684. He taught people how to make these waters artificially.
Hoffmann is also known for being the first to scientifically investigate carbon monoxide poisoning. This happens when people breathe in a dangerous gas from burning charcoal. His work helped people understand how dangerous this gas could be.
See also
In Spanish: Friedrich Hoffmann para niños
