Scientific Worthies: XLII.—Hendrik Antoon Lorentz

Abstract

THE outstanding leader in physical science who is the subject of this notice was born at Arnheim in Holland on July 18, 1853, graduated at Leyden in 1875, became Professor of Mathematical Physics at that University as early as 1878, discharged the duties of that Chair with great brilliancy until his appointment a few years ago to the direction for research in the historical Teyler Institute at Haarlem, leaving Ehrenfest as his successor. He retains his connexion with Leyden as Honorary Professor, and does not treat that position as a sinecure: the weekly lecture delivered by him, and usually reported for publication by members of his audience, is one of the outstanding events in the University life. At Haarlem he leads the philosophic life, enjoying the society of his grandchildren, controlling the physical side of the Institute, which is also famous on the artistic side for the collection of the great local painter Franz Hals. The jubilee of his doctorate on December 11, 1900, was commemorated by the presentation of a volume of researches contributed by most of the notable cultivators of physical science in the world.