A French mineralogist and crystallographer who developed the Friedel's law, a fundamental principle in crystallography that describes the symmetry of crystals. His work laid the foundation for modern crystallography and materials science.
Georges Friedel, a French mineralogist and crystallographer, is renowned for his groundbreaking contributions to the field of crystallography, particularly the discovery of Friedel's law and his work on mesomorphic states of matter. His pioneering research has had a lasting impact on our understanding of crystal structures and their properties.
Born on July 19, 1865, Georges Friedel was the son of chemist Charles Friedel and grandson of Louis Georges Duvernoy, a prominent comparative anatomist. He pursued his education at the prestigious École Polytechnique in Paris and the École Nationale des Mines in Saint-Étienne, where he was a student of renowned crystallographer Franois Ernest Mallard.
Friedel's academic career was marked by significant milestones. In 1893, he obtained a professorship at the École Nationale des Mines, where he would later become the director. After serving in World War I, he returned to the University of Strasbourg in Alsace as a professor. Due to ill health, he took early retirement in 1930, but his legacy continued to inspire future generations of crystallographers.
Friedel's most significant contribution to crystallography is the discovery of Friedel's law, which states that the intensity of X-ray diffraction by a crystal is proportional to the square of the structure factor. This law has been instrumental in understanding the crystal structures of minerals and materials. Friedel's work on X-ray diffraction experiments also provided the physical basis for the theories of Auguste Bravais, the founder of crystallography.
In 1907, Friedel, along with Franois Grandjean, described the focal conic liquid, a type of mesophase of matter. This work laid the foundation for the current understanding of mesomorphic states of matter. His comprehensive treatise, "Mesomorphic States of Matter," published in 1922, established much of the current terminology in the field.
Friedel's contributions to crystallography have been recognized and honored by the scientific community. His work has inspired numerous researchers and has had a lasting impact on our understanding of crystal structures and their properties. Despite his untimely death on December 11, 1933, Friedel's legacy continues to influence the field of crystallography.
Friedel was married with five children and was known for his dedication to his family and work. His personal life was marked by a strong sense of responsibility and a passion for scientific discovery.
Born in 1787
A French mineralogist and geologist who contributed significantly to the field of mineralogy, particularly in the discovery and classification of new minerals. He is also known for his work on the geology of France and its mineral resources.
Born in 1859
A pioneer in radioactivity research, discovering elements like polonium and radium, and pioneering radioactive isolation techniques. Their groundbreaking work paved the way for advancements in medicine, energy, and materials science.
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A pioneering scientist who pioneered radioactivity research, discovering elements polonium and radium, and paving the way for breakthroughs in medicine and energy.
Born in 1852
Discovered the element fluorine and developed an electric arc furnace, earning a Nobel Prize in Chemistry in 1906.
Born in 1828
A French geologist and academic who studied the Earth's crust and developed a theory of mountain building, known for his work on the formation of the Alps.
