Rasmus Bartholin

Rasmus Bartholin

Rasmus Bartholin (13 August 1625 – 4 November 1698) was a Danish scientist, physician, and mathematician who is best known for his discovery of the double refraction of light, which he described in his work Experimenta crystalli islandici disdiaclastici published in 1669. This discovery was a significant contribution to the field of optics and laid the groundwork for later studies in light and crystallography.

Early Life and Education

Rasmus Bartholin was born in Roskilde, Denmark, into a well-educated family. His father was a professor of theology, and his brother, Thomas Bartholin, was a noted anatomist and physician. Rasmus Bartholin attended the University of Copenhagen, where he studied mathematics and medicine, showing early promise in both fields. After completing his studies in Copenhagen, he traveled extensively throughout Europe, furthering his education at universities in the Netherlands, France, and Italy. During his travels, he met many prominent scientists and scholars, which helped shape his future research and discoveries.

Career and Discoveries

Upon returning to Denmark, Bartholin was appointed professor of geometry at the University of Copenhagen. His interests, however, were not limited to mathematics. He conducted research in various areas of science, including anatomy, astronomy, and physics. His most notable scientific contribution came in 1669 when he discovered that light passing through a crystal of calcite, also known as Iceland spar, was split into two rays. This phenomenon, which he termed "double refraction," challenged the prevailing understanding of light and vision at the time.

Bartholin's work on double refraction was crucial in the development of the wave theory of light. Although he did not propose a theory to explain the phenomenon, his detailed observations provided the basis for later scientists, such as Christiaan Huygens, to develop theories on the nature of light and its propagation.

Later Life and Legacy

Rasmus Bartholin continued to teach and conduct research throughout his life. In addition to his scientific work, he also made contributions to the field of medicine, following in the footsteps of his brother Thomas. He wrote several medical treatises and was involved in the administration of health services in Denmark.

Bartholin's legacy is primarily in the field of optics, where his discovery of double refraction remains a fundamental concept. His work demonstrated the complexity of light and laid the foundation for the study of optical phenomena, including polarization and birefringence.

Bartholin died in Copenhagen in 1698. His contributions to science, particularly his work on double refraction, continue to be celebrated for their impact on the fields of optics and physics.

See Also

• Optics
• Light
• Crystallography
• Thomas Bartholin
• Christiaan Huygens