Technikatörténeti szemle 11. (1979)

TANULMÁNYOK - Vajda Pál: Creative Hungarians in mathematics, astronomy, physics, chemistry, technical sciences and industry. A selected bio-bibliography

PÁL VAJDA*

CREATIVE HUNGARIANS IN

MATHEMATICS, ASTRONOMY, PHYSICS, CHEMISTRY, TECHNICAL SCIENCES AND INDUSTRY

A

SELECTED BIO-BIBLIOGRAPHY

Introduction

„But these are deeds which should not pass away. And names that must not wither.” Lord Byron

In the historical perspective their contribution to social progress is decisive in the appreciation of the roles played by countries and people. The most important yardsticks in this respect are their scientific and technical achievements, which, in turn, exert their effect on people. Creations in technology bring less glory than creations in art because the latter last for centuries and can be enjoyed by many generations, whereas the former become necessarily obsolete and are replaced by new things. Nevertheless, technical and scientific developments follow a strict historical logic ... everybody continues where his predecessor has left off. The creations of scientists survive in the works of later generations. Technical development is not only historical and logical, it is also widely international. Our present civilization has evolved from the work of creative people of all nations. Hungarians have also made their contributions.

Hungary is a small country with a long history. It was established about eleven centuries ago approximately at its present place. The Hungarian people formed their own state and gradually assimilated the contemporary European culture and civilization. In the technological field mining was especially well developed, and Hungarian metallurgy had a leading role in Europe in the Middle Ages until the 18th century. One of the world’s oldest mining academies was established in Hungary during this period; many famous scientists taught and did creative work in this school, especially in mining, chemistry, metallurgy and geodesy.

Innovative work was extended to other branches too: the regulation of rivers and flood control required qualified engineers. Since 1782 they have been trained at Universities in Hungary; in the 19th century natural sciences developed on a general scale. Industrial growth was spectacular at the time and this involved a growing number of scientific and technical innovators and inventors.

* 1123 Budapest, Alkotás utca 1/A.

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