Human Accomplishment: John Herschel

an English polymath active as a mathematician, astronomer, chemist, inventor, experimental photographer who invented the blueprint, and did botanical work.

Born

7 March 1792 Slough, Buckinghamshire, England

Died

11 May 1871 (aged 79) Collingwood, near Hawkhurst, Kent, England

Nationality

British

Known for

The invention of photography

Alma mater

St John's College, Cambridge

Awards

Smith's Prize (1813) Copley Medal (1821) Lalande Medal (1825) Gold Medal of the Royal Astronomical Society (1826, 1836) Royal Medal (1836, 1840) Knight of the Royal Guelphic Order

adultbasic

Britain

Education

Eton College

era

1800+

Influences

William Herschel (father), Caroline Herschel (aunt)

Resting place

Westminster Abbey

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