The Fahrenheit temperature scale is named after the German physicist and scientific instrument maker Gabriel Daniel Fahrenheit (1686-1736). His temperature scale fixes the freezing point of water at 32 degrees, and the boiling point at 212 degrees. The scale is still popular in some non-scientific circles especially in the UK and USA.
Gabriel Fahrenheit studied under the Dutch mathematician Gravesande and eventually settled in Amsterdam. He was also a friend of Newton. Amongst other things he also invented an areometer, and is responsible for the substitution of mercury instead alcohol in thermometers.
Created and maintained by Frans Coenen. Last updated