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Hedwig Kohn (5 April 1887 – 26 November 1964) was a physicist who was one of only three women to obtain habilitation (the qualification for university teaching) in physics in Germany before World War II.
Life and Career
She was born on 5 April 1887, in Breslau (now Wroclaw, Poland).
Kohn studied physics at the University of Breslau, where she earned her doctorate in 1913. She went on to work as an assistant at the University of Gottingen and the University of Munich. However, her career was interrupted by the rise of the Nazi party in Germany, and she was dismissed from her academic positions in 1933 due to her Jewish heritage.
After being forced to flee Germany, Kohn immigrated to the United States in 1940. Upon arriving in the United States in January 1941, Hedwig Kohn was in poor health. After her recovery, she briefly taught at the Women’s College of the University of North Carolina at Greensboro. In 1942, she moved on to teach at Wellesley College in Massachusetts, where she advanced from lecturer to full professor by 1948 and established a flame spectroscopy research laboratory. Kohn was active in several professional organizations, including the American Physical Society and Sigma Xi. Upon retiring in 1952, she was invited by Hertha Sponer to join Duke University as a research associate. There, Kohn led a productive research period, mentoring doctoral students and post-doctoral fellows in flame spectroscopy until just before her passing in 1964.
Kohn made significant contributions to the field of spectroscopy, particularly in the area of electron scattering. She conducted experiments to determine the wavelengths of light emitted by various elements, and her work was instrumental in the development of the periodic table.
Despite her accomplishments, Kohn faced significant obstacles as a female physicist in a male-dominated field, and as a Jewish scientist during a time of anti-Semitic persecution in Germany. However, she persisted in her work and made important contributions to the field of physics.
Kohn passed away on 26 November 1964, in Durham, North Carolina. She is remembered as a trailblazing physicist and a symbol of resilience in the face of adversity.
Notable works of Hedwig Kohn
Hedwig Kohn’s contributions to physics, particularly in the field of flame spectroscopy, are documented through her research papers, methodologies, and the development of instructional materials. While a comprehensive list of all her works might be challenging to compile due to the nature of her contributions during a tumultuous period, some notable aspects of her work include:
- Development of Photometric Techniques: Kohn worked extensively on refining and applying photometric methods in spectroscopy. Her work in this area contributed to the quantitative analysis of light and radiation emitted by substances, which was crucial for advances in spectroscopic analysis.
- Flame Spectroscopy Research: She is most renowned for her pioneering work in flame spectroscopy, a technique used for analyzing the composition of materials through the spectrum of light emitted from a flame. This work has been fundamental in the fields of chemistry and physics for the analysis of materials.
- Instructional Laboratory Manuals: Kohn developed several laboratory manuals and instructional materials that were used widely in education. These materials helped in standardizing the teaching of spectroscopy and photometry, making complex concepts more accessible to students.
- Research Papers and Publications: Throughout her career, Kohn authored and co-authored a number of research papers that were published in respected scientific journals. These papers covered her findings in the fields of spectroscopy, photometry, and the physical properties of materials under various conditions.
- Post-War Scientific Contributions: After relocating to the United States, Kohn continued her research at Wellesley College and later at Duke University. During this period, she not only contributed to flame spectroscopy but also mentored graduate students, guiding them in their doctoral research in the field.
Hedwig Kohn’s work, especially during a time when female physicists were a rarity, underscored the significant contributions women could and did make to the advancement of science. Her legacy is preserved through her contributions to the scientific community and her role as a trailblazer for women in physics.
Award and Legacy
Hedwig Kohn’s contributions to the field of physics were recognized and celebrated during her lifetime and continue to inspire future generations of scientists.
Kohn’s work in spectroscopy has had a lasting impact on the field of physics, particularly in the area of electron scattering. Her research and discoveries have contributed to our understanding of the nature of matter and the behavior of atoms and molecules.
In addition to her scientific contributions, Kohn is remembered as a trailblazer for women in physics. Despite facing significant obstacles and discrimination, she persisted in her work and made important contributions to the field. Her determination and resilience continue to inspire women and other underrepresented groups in STEM fields.
On 4 April 2019, Google celebrated Hedwig Kohn’s 132nd Birthday with a doodle.
FAQ on Hedwig Kohn
Who was Hedwig Kohn?
Hedwig Kohn was a pioneering physicist known for her significant contributions to the field of flame spectroscopy. She was one of only three women to obtain a qualification to teach physics at a German university before World War II.
When and where was Hedwig Kohn born?
Hedwig Kohn was born on April 5, 1887, in Breslau, which was then in Germany and is now Wrocław, Poland.
What was Hedwig Kohn’s educational background?
Kohn studied physics at the University of Breslau (now the University of Wrocław), where she later obtained her Ph.D. in physics. Her academic journey was remarkable at a time when opportunities for women in science were extremely limited.
What are Hedwig Kohn’s major contributions to physics?
Hedwig Kohn’s major contributions lie in the field of flame spectroscopy, a technique used to analyze the spectral characteristics of flames to determine the composition of materials. She developed methods and equipment for spectroscopic analysis, contributing significantly to our understanding of atomic and molecular spectra.
Why did Hedwig Kohn move to the United States?
Kohn fled Nazi Germany due to the persecution of Jews during the Third Reich. She arrived in the United States in 1941, where she continued her academic and research career.
What positions did Hedwig Kohn hold in the United States?
After recovering from illness upon her arrival in the U.S., Kohn taught at the Women’s College of the University of North Carolina at Greensboro and then at Wellesley College in Massachusetts, where she became a full professor. Upon retirement, she served as a research associate at Duke University, contributing significantly to flame spectroscopy research until her death.
Was Hedwig Kohn involved in any professional organizations?
Yes, Hedwig Kohn was a member of several professional associations, including the American Physical Society, the American Association of Physics Teachers, and Sigma Xi: The Scientific Research Honor Society.
What happened to Hedwig Kohn after she retired?
After retiring from her professorship in 1952, Kohn was offered a position as a research associate by Hertha Sponer at Duke University in Durham, North Carolina. She established a laboratory there, guiding doctoral students and working with post-doctoral fellows on flame spectroscopy research until shortly before her death in 1964.
How is Hedwig Kohn remembered today?
Hedwig Kohn is remembered as a trailblazer for women in physics, overcoming significant obstacles to contribute to our understanding of flame spectroscopy. Her legacy continues to inspire future generations of scientists, especially women, to pursue careers in physics and other STEM fields.
When did Hedwig Kohn pass away?
Hedwig Kohn passed away on November 26, 1964, leaving behind a legacy of scientific achievement and perseverance in the face of adversity.