Charles Wheatstone
British scientist and inventor (1802-1875) · Scientists · Died at 73
Sir Charles Wheatstone was an English physicist and inventor best known for his contributions to the development of the Wheatstone bridge, originally invented by Samuel Hunter Christie, which is used to measure an unknown electrical resistance, and as a major figure in the development of telegraphy.
Charles Wheatstone is read about 107 times a day, in 43 languages.
A typical day, 30 days to 10 November 2026
The middle day of the days counted, so one week of news cannot move it. The line under it is the last 112 days, one point a day.
Something wrong?A life in dates
1875Died19 October 18751868Copley MedalAwardPour le Mérite for Sciences and Arts orderAward1867Albert MedalAward1852Royal Society Bakerian MedalAward1802Born6 February 1802
People around Charles
Close ties
Media & music
Photos 10
Plaque marking a childhood house in Gloucester
Wheatstone English concertina
Wheatstone in later years
Symphonium
Symphonium
"Scientists". Photograph of (left to right): Michael Faraday, Thomas Henry Huxley, Charles Wheatstone, David Brewster, John Tyndall, published by Hughes & Edmonds in 1876
A double-needle telegraph instrument of the type used on the Great Western RailwayAwards
About this person
His other contributions include the English concertina, the stereoscope and the Playfair cipher.
Category
Scientists
Type
Scientist
Status
Deceased
Dates
Lived 1802 to 1875 · aged 73
