William Hallowes Miller facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
William Hallowes Miller
|
|
|---|---|
William Hallowes Miller
|
|
| Born | 6 April 1801 Llandovery, Carmarthenshire
|
| Died | 20 May 1880 (aged 79) Cambridge, Cambridgeshire
|
| Nationality | British |
| Alma mater | St John's College, Cambridge |
| Known for | Miller indices Millerite |
| Awards | Royal Medal (1870) |
| Scientific career | |
| Fields | Mineralogy Crystallography |
Professor William Hallowes Miller (born April 6, 1801 – died May 20, 1880) was a clever Welsh scientist. He was a mineralogist, which means he studied minerals. He also helped create the modern way we understand crystallography. This is the study of how crystals are shaped and put together.
Two important things are named after him. One is called Miller indices. This is a special system he created to describe the faces of crystals. The other is a mineral called millerite.
A Life of Science
William Hallowes Miller was born in 1801 in a place called Velindre in South Wales. He went to St John's College, Cambridge University. He was a very good student and graduated in 1826.
After college, Miller became a tutor. He wrote books about how liquids and gases behave. He also became very interested in crystals.
Professor of Minerals
In 1832, when he was 31, Miller became a professor at Cambridge University. He taught about minerals. He held this important job until 1870.
His most famous book, A Treatise on Crystallography, came out in 1839. This book explained his new ideas about crystals. His work helped scientists all over the world.
Helping with Measurements
Miller was also very important in making sure official measurements were correct. After a big fire in 1834, the old measuring tools were destroyed. Miller helped create new, accurate standards for length and weight. He was part of a special group that made sure these new standards were right.
He was recognized for his work. He became a member of the Royal Society in 1838. He also received the Royal Medal in 1870, which is a big award for scientists.
Family Life
In 1844, William Hallowes Miller married Harriet Susan Minty. He passed away in 1880 in Cambridge, England.
