Biography of Ernst Abbe
Ernst Abbe (Abbe) (23.01.1840 – 14.01.1905), German physicist, optician, author of the theory of image formation in the microscope, the creator of technology important sections of optical-mechanical industry. Since 1870 Professor of Theoretical Physics in Jena, in the 1877-90 director of the observatory at Jena.
In 1863, as assistant professor of Jena University Press, participated in the K. Zeiss optical workshops to identify the scientific basis of design of microscopes. The theory of the microscope Abbe (1872) was the first scientific solution to this problem.
Abbe developed the design of many optical devices, bearing his name and is still used in the opto-mechanical industry.
In 1888, after the death of Zeiss Abbe became the actual owner of its shops, but refused owner's rights and created a management company a special statute on which the Board consisted of representatives of workers, state and university.
Cit.: Gesammelte Abhandlungen, Bd 1 – 5, Jena, 1904-40.
Lit.: Depman IY, Ernst Abbe (1840 – 1905), Nature, 1940, № 1.