Profession: Inventor and Physicist
Biography: Daniel Gabriel Fahrenheit was a Polish-German physicist, inventor, and scientific instrument maker. Known for his pioneering work in the field of thermometry, he invented the alcohol and mercury-in-glass thermometers, which provided more accurate and consistent temperature readings than were previously possible.
His most lasting contribution, however, is the Fahrenheit temperature scale. Introduced in 1724, this scale is based on three fixed points: the freezing point of water, the normal human body temperature, and the boiling point of water. The Fahrenheit scale was widely adopted and remains in common use today in the United States and a few other English-speaking countries.
Born: May 24, 1686
Birthplace: Danzig, Polish–Lithuanian Commonwealth
Star Sign: Gemini
Died: September 16, 1736 (aged 50)
Historical Events
- 1724-01-01 Glassblower Daniel Gabriel Fahrenheit proposes system for making thermometers and the Fahrenheit temperature scale in a paper to the Royal Society of London and is elected a fellow on its basis
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