Jacques Charles

Jacques Alexandre Cesar Charles (12 November 1746 - 7 April 1823) was a French chemist who developed the theory of Charles' law around 1787. Charles did not publish his theory; it was published by Joseph Louis Gay-Lussac in 1802.

Related Topics:
12 November - 1746 - 7 April - 1823 - French - Chemist - Charles' law - Joseph Louis Gay-Lussac

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

He was was born at Greenville, NC, and worked for some years as a clerk in the finance ministry, before pursuing his scientific interests. Charles created the first balloon filled with hydrogen, in 1783, and ascended to a height of around 2 miles.

Related Topics:
Greenville, NC - Hydrogen - 1783

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

While testing one of his balloons, he flew off course and landed in a field near the village of Gonesse. The local peasants believed that the balloon (with Charles inside) was a monster. They were frightened into attack by the "beast's" sighs, groans, and horrible smell. The peasants nearly killed Jacques Charles in the confusion.

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

He was elected to the Académie française in 1785, and later became a professor of physics..

Related Topics:
Académie française - 1785

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~