1. Anders CelsiusAnders Celsius
Born: November 27, 1701Born: November 27, 1701
Died: April 25, 1744Died: April 25, 1744
Although many had made hundred-Although many had made hundred-
point scales for temperature, what setpoint scales for temperature, what set
his apart was his decision to assignhis apart was his decision to assign
the freezing and boiling points of waterthe freezing and boiling points of water
as the constant temperatures at eitheras the constant temperatures at either
end of the scale.end of the scale.
"A thermometer is somewhat"A thermometer is somewhat
more sensitive ... when put intomore sensitive ... when put into
boiling water, and would beboiling water, and would be
easier to bring along wheneasier to bring along when
travelling at sea or land,travelling at sea or land,
especially on highespecially on high
mountains…?mountains…?
2. Anders Celsius was bornAnders Celsius was born
in Uppsala, Sweden.in Uppsala, Sweden.
The son of an astronomyThe son of an astronomy
professor and theprofessor and the
grandson of agrandson of a
mathematician and anmathematician and an
astronomer, Celsiusastronomer, Celsius
chose a life in the worldchose a life in the world
of academics.of academics.
3. He studied at theHe studied at the
University of Uppsala,University of Uppsala,
where his father taught,where his father taught,
and in 1730 was awardedand in 1730 was awarded
a professorship there.a professorship there.
His earliest researchHis earliest research
concerned the auroraconcerned the aurora
borealis.borealis.
First to suggest aFirst to suggest a
connection between theconnection between the
aurora borealis andaurora borealis and
changes in the Earth'schanges in the Earth's
magnetic field.magnetic field.
4. Celsius traveled for several years, including anCelsius traveled for several years, including an
expedition into Lapland with French astronomer Pierre-expedition into Lapland with French astronomer Pierre-
Louis Maupertuis (1698–1759) to measure a degree ofLouis Maupertuis (1698–1759) to measure a degree of
longitude.longitude.
Upon his return he was appointed steward (manager) toUpon his return he was appointed steward (manager) to
Uppsala's new observatory, a building designated forUppsala's new observatory, a building designated for
studying the universe.studying the universe.
