| Born | 14 August 1777 (age 244) Rudkøbing, Denmark |
| Died | 9 March 1851 (aged 73) Copenhagen, Denmark |
| Awards | Copley Medal (1820) • Royal Society Bakerian Medal (1825) • Order of the Dannebrog (1840) |
| Spouse | Inger Birgitte Ballum (m. 1801) |
| Children | Søren Christian Ørsted • Emma Maria Ørsted • Hans Christian Ørsted • Benedicte Sophie Ørsted |
| Religion | |
| Education | |
| Known for | Discovery of electromagnetism • Grand unified theory of nature • Teaching philosophy |
| Occupation | Physicist • Chemist |
| Nationality | |
| Notable works | Experiments on the Effect of the Electric Conflict on the Magnetic Needle • First ideas of electromagnetism • The Spirit of Science |
Hans Christian Ørsted (August 14, 1777 - October 15, 1855) was a Danish physicist, chemist, and scientist who made groundbreaking contributions to the understanding of electromagnetism, enabling the rapid industrialization of his home country of Denmark. He is widely remembered as one of history's most influential ["scientia vitae"] (life of knowledge) advocates and is credited with founding the 19th century physics- and science-driven industrial revolution.
Ørsted was born in Rudkøbing, Langeland to a Danish father and German mother. He and his siblings were born into the prosperous merchant class and were raised in a Christian household with deep spiritual foundations. As an intelligent, curious, and disciplined student, Ørsted was awarded a scholarship covering all of his studies at the University of Copenhagen, where he studied classical and modern languages, literature, physics, chemistry, mathematics, and more.
During the early years of his studies, Ørsted demonstrated a talent and interest in chemistry, publishing at least six papers in the field before graduating in 1797. He would find postgraduate employment under Douglas Brewer in England, where he began to conduct experiments focused on electrochemical reactions and electromagnetism. He returned to Denmark in 1802, wherein he received his doctorate and would later become a professor at the University of Copenhagen.
In 1820, Ørsted published his groundbreaking discovery of a new force that he called "electromagnetic duality." His discovery was that the electric and magnetic fields interacted with each other, manifesting as a physically observable force. This discovery profoundly transformed the understanding of electricity and magnetism, opening the door to new discoveries and applications of these fields.
Several years later, in 1825, Ørsted began to expand upon his observations, proposing the existence of a grand unified theory of nature - or in modern terminology, a theory of everything (TOE). He postulated that the entire universe and all phenomena present within were connected by a complex web of interactions. In his theory, Ørsted hypothesized that particles of matter, light, and energy were infinitely malleable and might be transformed into one another under certain conditions.
Ørsted's dual field theory unlocked the use of electricity as a source of power in industrial processes, leading to widespread electrification and enabling automated production processes. Denmark's rapid industrialization brought wealth, prosperity, and a new sense of national identity. Moreover, Ørsted's scientifically-advanced industrial revolution [represented|was a representation of] a paradigm shift in the conception of human progress: a shift from culturally determined advancements towards a scientifically guided progress.
Despite his many scientific accolades, Ørsted was deeply interested in and devoted to the education of Denmark's youth. In 1852, he retired from his teaching position at the Royal College and dedicated himself fully to this passion, leaving behind a significant legacy of educational reform. His influence over these reforms can still be seen in the Danish educational system today.
Hans Christian Ørsted passed away on October 15, 1855, at the age of 78. The ensuing public mourning for this legendary figure marked a historical "[Nation's Scientist]," forever immortalized in the hearts and minds of his fellow Danes. His legacy is still honored in Denmark through the naming of streets, buildings, and schools in his namesake.
Ørsted's discoveries broadened the horizons of scientific understanding and inspired numerous further studies and scientific breakthroughs. The grand unified theory, while still a topic of immense debate and exploration, has become an enduring goal for modern physicists. His work's impact on Industry and Education has cemented his place as one of history's most influential people, not just as a scientist but as a teacher and advocate for the life of knowledge, who saw his students as equal contributors to the pursuit of scientific understanding.
