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Willem ‘s Gravesande. Photo by Bletchley.

Top 10 Remarkable Facts about Willem ‘s Gravesande

Willem ‘s Gravesande was a Dutch natural philosopher and mathematician. He was born on the 26^th of September 1688 and passed away on the 28^th of February 1972. He was the descendant of Dirk Storm van ‘s Gravesande. He was born and raised in s’ Hertogenbosch, Duchy of Brabant. Willem’s received early education from a private tutor called Tourton who was employed to educate him and his brothers. His tutor was able to identify his outstanding ability and talent in mathematics and encouraged him to pursue a career in the same. After his early education, he entered Leiden University in 1704 where he studied law. He rose through the ranks of the education system to become a professor of Mathematics, philosophy, and astronomy at Leiden University. He gained popularity from his developing experimental demonstrations in classical mechanics which became the first experimental measure of kinetic energy. His education background enabled him to maneuver Isaac Newton’s ideas in Europe. 

Below are the top 10 remarkable facts about Willem’s Gravesande

1. He was Talented in Mathematics from a Young Age

Willem ‘s Gravesande. Photo by Bletchley.

Willem ‘s Gravesande was considered to be exceptional in working out mathematical solutions right from a very young age. His fascinating ability and talent in mathematics were identified by his tutor named Tourton. The tutor was employed to privately educate Willem ‘s Gravesande and his brothers from the comfort of their home. His tutor played a significant role in encouraging him to pursue mathematics even though he was expected to take up a career in the legal profession. However, he continued and studied law but his passion and interest in mathematics and sciences were still on.

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2. He had two sons who died in Adolescence

Willem ‘s Gravesande lived a very normal life even though he spent most of his time developing his career. In 1720, he tied a knot with his girlfriend Anna Sacrelaire. They both enjoyed their marriage and were blessed to have two sons. However, the names of the two sons are not documented. Unfortunately, his two sons died in the adolescent stage.

3. Willem ‘s Gravesande and all His Brothers became Lawyers

Willem Jacob ‘s Gravesande. Author is unknown.

Willem ‘s Gravesande and his brothers were raised in a well-stable family that was able to see them to school during that time. They were trained by a private tutor who educated them from the comfort of their home. Their father, Dirk Storm van ‘s Gravesande, was a renowned member of the community and their mother was from a prominent family. Willem ‘s Gravesande entered Leiden University in 1704 where he studied law. With all the materials and support at their disposal, Willem ‘s Gravesande and all his brothers became lawyers who practiced in The Hague.

4. His father was a Prominent Leader

Dirk Storm van ‘s Gravesande was the father to Willem ‘s Gravesande. He served as a steward of the land during the reign of king William III of England. He also continued the stewardship in the reign of Prince Willian IV. Apart from the steward role, he was also the sheriff and the councilor of the city of s’ Hertogenbosch. He managed to handle matters successfully and was so successful in his role and career.

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5. He was sent to London to Congratulate King George 1 on his Accession

King George 1. Photo painted by Godfrey Kneller.

Willem ‘s Gravesande was becoming popular in the country as years went by and went on to be recognized for his exceptional work in the field of law. By 1707 he obtained a doctorate in Jurisprudence and practiced at The Hague. His influence caused him to be nominated by the State General to represent the state in congratulating the newfound role and position of King George 1. He was sent as a secretary to the delegate that was sent to London to congratulate the new king on his accession.

6. He was Elected a Fellow of the Royal Society

Willem ‘s Gravesande was first appointed as secretary to the Dutch Embassy which saw him sent to England in 1715 to congratulate George 1 after he acceded to the throne. While in London, he associated and engage with the royal Society. It was while he was in London, he was elected a Fellow of the Royal Society on the 9^th of June 1715. The Royal Society was a group of scientists who began to hold regular meetings and was founded on the 28^th of November 1660. The group of scientists began a society whose main objective was to acquire knowledge through experimental investigations.

7. He became a Professor of Astronomy and Mathematics at Leiden in 1717

Written in Latin by William-James ‘s Gravesande,. Wikimedia Commons

His interest in indulging in mathematics and sciences was awakened when he London and became a member of the Royal Society. In the Royal Society, Willem ‘s Gravesande was made the acquaintance of John Keill, Desaguliers, and Isaac Newton. From his association with Isaac Newton, he was able to some of Newton’s work of science in the Netherlands. This saw him advance in his interest in Mathematics and Science. In 1717, he became a professor of Mathematics and Astronomy at the University of Leiden.

8. Willem ‘s Gravesande became a Professor of Philosophy in 1734

Willem ‘s Gravesande was very exceptional and talented intellectually. He pursued several fields which saw him succeed fairly in his life. Having earned the professorship of Civil and Military architecture in 1930 he went ahead to pursue philosophy. He managed to become a Professor of Philosophy in 1734.

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9. He Invented the “s Gravesande’s Experiment

The ring of ‘s Gravesande. Photo by Jules-Célestin Jamin.

Willem ‘s Gravesande invented the simple experiment that demonstrated the thermal expansion which has been used in physics to date. This simple experiment came later to be known as “s Gravesande’s Experiment or “s Gravesande’s ring. This invention has kept his name famous over the years and passed on to generations.

10. Leiden became the Foremost Scientific University under “s Gravesande’s

The university of Leiden became the foremost scientific University in entire Europe while under “s Gravesande’s and his counterpart Herman Boerhaave. This led to an increase in the number of foreign students who moved to the university to pursue courses in medicine and sciences. This formed part of his success story and input into the university and the nation.

Willem ‘s Gravesande had tremendous input into the field of sciences, medicine, philosophy, and to some extent Law. His experiments have continued to support research and resulted in great successes.