Gerhard Herzberg

Date of Birth: December 25, 1904

Zodiac Sign: Capricorn

Date of Death: March 3, 1999

Biography

Gerhard Heinrich Friedrich Otto Julius Herzberg was a pioneering German-Canadian physicist and physical chemist who made significant contributions to the field of molecular spectroscopy. He was born in Hamburg, Germany, and later became a refugee from Nazi persecution, eventually settling in Canada. Herzberg’s work laid the foundation for much of modern spectroscopy, and he was awarded the Nobel Prize in Chemistry in 1971 for his contributions to the knowledge of the electronic structure and geometry of molecules, particularly free radicals. Herzberg began his academic journey at the University of Göttingen, studying under prominent physicists and chemists of his time. After earning his Ph.D. in 1928, he conducted postdoctoral research and held academic positions in Germany. However, with the rise of the Nazi regime, Herzberg, who was of Jewish descent, faced increasing persecution. He and his wife, Luise Oettinger, moved to Canada in 1935, where he joined the University of Saskatchewan as a research professor. At the University of Saskatchewan, Herzberg continued his groundbreaking research in molecular spectroscopy. His work on diatomic and polyatomic molecules earned him international acclaim. In 1948, he moved to the National Research Council of Canada (NRC) in Ottawa, where he furthered his studies and established a laboratory that became a world leader in molecular spectroscopy. Throughout his career, Herzberg received numerous accolades and honors, including the Royal Society of London’s Copley Medal and the Nobel Prize in Chemistry. His published works, such as “Molecular Spectra and Molecular Structure,” remain seminal texts in the field. Gerhard Herzberg passed away on March 3, 1999, leaving behind a legacy of scientific excellence and a profound impact on the field of physical chemistry.

5 Interesting Facts about Gerhard Herzberg

1. Gerhard Herzberg was awarded the Nobel Prize in Chemistry in 1971 for his work in molecular spectroscopy.

2. He fled Nazi Germany in 1935 due to his Jewish heritage and the increasing persecution he faced.

3. Herzberg was instrumental in the establishment of the spectroscopy laboratory at the National Research Council of Canada.

4. His book series “Molecular Spectra and Molecular Structure” is considered a cornerstone in the field of spectroscopy.

5. Herzberg was a member of numerous scientific societies, including the Royal Society of London and the U.S. National Academy of Sciences.

5 Most Interesting Quotes from Gerhard Herzberg

1. “Science is an adventure of the human spirit.”

2. “I have always considered that the success of my work depended largely on the excellent collaborators I have had over the years.”

3. “The most exciting thing in science is to discover something new and to know that you are the first person in the world to see it.”

4. “Spectroscopy is the key to our understanding of the universe.”

5. “Theoretical physics is a tool that helps us understand the observations made by experimental physicists.”

Highest Net Worth Achieved

Herzberg’s highest net worth is not well-documented, but his significant contributions to science and his numerous accolades suggest a life rich in intellectual and scholarly achievements rather than financial gain.

Children

Gerhard Herzberg and his wife Luise Oettinger had two children: Paul Herzberg, who became a physicist, and Agnes Herzberg, who pursued a career in statistics.