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Oersted, Hans Christian (1777–1851)


Hans Christian Oersted
Danish physicist and pharmacist whose discovery that a magnetized needle can be deflected by an electric current passing through a wire (1820) gave birth to the science of electromagnetism. He also made many discoveries in chemistry, and was among the first to obtain aluminum in reasonably pure form.

Oersted was born at Rudkjobing, on the Danish island of Langeland, and studied medicine at Copenhagen, where in 1806 he was appointed professor of physics. He held numerous scientific appointments and honorary offices and distinctions. Of his many works the best known are Naturlarens Mechaniske Deel (1845) and Aanden i Naturen (1850). His brother Anders Sandöe, was a distinguished Danish statesmen.


Related entry

   • history of electricity


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