This Day In History

1884

Auguste and Jean Piccard, twin brothers, were born in Basel, Switzerland. Auguste became a physicist, and Jean an organic chemist and aeronautical engineer. Each earned a doctorate in natural science from the Swiss Institute of Technology, and devoted his adult life to scientific research and education. They contributed significantly to the advancement of scientific knowledge of the stratosphere, ballooning and of the means for man to survive in a high altitude environment. Although the brothers were physically separated most of their lives, they collaborated on their research efforts throughout their careers.