Prokop Diviš (1698–1765) was a Czech Roman Catholic priest, scientist, and inventor known for his contributions to physics and electrical experimentation during the 18th century. Here is a detailed biography of Prokop Diviš:
Early Life and Education:
- Birth: Prokop Diviš was born on March 26, 1698, in Libice nad Cidlinou, Bohemia (now in the Czech Republic).
- Education: He studied at the Jesuit Gymnasium in Jičín, Czech Republic, and later joined the Jesuit Order.
Religious Life and Priesthood:
- Jesuit Seminary: Diviš entered the Jesuit seminary in Kutná Hora and pursued theological studies.
- Ordination: He was ordained as a priest in 1722.
- Teaching and Academic Life: Diviš taught philosophy, theology, and mathematics at various Jesuit schools and universities, including Prague and Březnice.
Scientific and Inventive Contributions:
- Meteorological Instruments: Diviš had an interest in meteorology and invented various meteorological instruments, including the barocyclonometer (a type of barometer).
- Electrical Experiments: Diviš conducted extensive experiments with electricity. In 1748, he built a large apparatus known as the “weather machine,” which combined meteorological instruments with an electrical machine. It was used to investigate the relationship between electricity and meteorological phenomena.
- Electrical Induction: Diviš independently discovered the phenomenon of electrical induction, where a neutral body becomes charged when exposed to a charged body.
“Weather Machine” and Lightning Rod:
- The “Weather Machine” Experiment: Diviš claimed that his “weather machine” could influence the weather and prevent storms. This led to both scientific interest and skepticism.
- Lightning Rod Invention: Diviš is also credited with the invention of a lightning rod, which he designed to protect buildings from lightning strikes. However, his work was not widely recognized during his lifetime.
Later Life and Controversies:
- Controversies with the Church: Diviš faced controversies within the Catholic Church due to his unconventional ideas and experiments, including claims related to his “weather machine.”
- Conflict with Hieronymus Sersa: Diviš had a conflict with Hieronymus Sersa, another Jesuit scientist, over the priority of certain scientific discoveries.
Death:
- Death: Prokop Diviš died on December 21, 1765, in Březnice, Bohemia.
Legacy:
- Recognition Posthumously: While Diviš faced skepticism and criticism during his lifetime, his contributions to meteorology and electrical experiments have gained recognition in later years.
- Scientific Rediscovery: In the 20th century, historians and scientists reevaluated Diviš’s work, acknowledging his innovative experiments and inventions.
- Cultural Impact: Prokop Diviš is remembered as a pioneering figure in the history of Czech science, and his contributions to meteorology and electricity are recognized.
Prokop Diviš’s life and work exemplify the intersection of science, religion, and invention in the 18th century. His experiments with electricity and meteorology, though controversial at the time, have contributed to our understanding of these fields.
