Leopold Pfaundler

Who is Leopold Pfaundler?

Leopold Pfaundler von Hadermur was an Austrian physicist and chemist born in Innsbruck. He was the father of pediatrician Meinhard von Pfaundler, and the father-in-law of pediatrician Theodor Escherich.

He studied under chemist Heinrich Hlasiwetz at Innsbruck, with Justus von Liebig at the University of Munich, and with Henri Victor Regnault and Charles Adolphe Wurtz in Paris. In 1861 he received his doctorate, and in 1867 was appointed professor of physics at the University of Innsbruck. In 1891 he succeeded Ludwig Boltzmann as professor of physics at the University of Graz. In 1887 he became a full member of the Vienna Academy of Sciences.

Pfaundler is remember today for his kinetic-molecular explanation of gas reactions under the condition of equlibrium. He was the inventor of a number of scientific apparatuses, such as a temperature regulator, a Stromkalorimeter, a differential air thermometer, a Distanzmesser and a seismograph to name a few. He is also credited with creating a device for optical demonstration of Lissajous figures.