Johann Friedrich Weidler facts for kids
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Johann Friedrich Weidler (born April 13, 1691, in Großneuhausen – died November 13, 1755, in Wittenberg) was a smart German who studied both law and mathematics. He became a professor and wrote important books about these subjects.
Weidler's Life and Studies
When Johann Friedrich Weidler was just fifteen, he started studying at the University of Jena. Later, in 1712, he joined the University of Wittenberg. He quickly earned his master's degree there. By 1715, he became a special assistant at the university's philosophy department.
Weidler soon became a professor of mathematics. First, he taught basic math in 1715. Then, in 1719, he started teaching more advanced mathematics.
In 1726 and 1727, Weidler took a break from teaching. He traveled to different countries like Holland, England, France, and Switzerland. During his travels, he earned a special degree in law from a university in Basel.
After his travels, he returned to Wittenberg. He even took on a special teaching role in the law department. But even though he studied law, he loved working on math and science the most. He decided to focus all his energy on natural sciences.
Important Books and Discoveries
Weidler wrote many books to help his students learn. One of his most famous works was called Institutiones mathematicae. This book covered many math topics, including astronomy, which is the study of stars and planets. This book was so popular that it was printed five times while he was alive. It was even printed more times after he passed away!
He also wrote Institutiones subterraneae. This was the first scientific book about how to survey mines. Mine surveying is like mapping out underground tunnels and finding where minerals are.
But Weidler's biggest and most important work was about his favorite subject: astronomy. He wrote the first complete history of astronomy! It was called Historia Astronomiae. This book, published in 1741, was full of facts about famous astronomers and their writings.
In 1755, he added to this history with another book, Bibliographia Astronomica. This book listed many astronomy books in the order they were written. It even helped another famous astronomer, Jérôme Lalande, with his own work.
Weidler also wrote about specific events in space. He described when the planet Mercury passed in front of the sun in 1736 and 1747. He was also working on calculating the exact location of his city, Wittenberg, when he passed away.
Images for kids
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Johann Friedrich Weidler
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Historia astronomiae, 1755
