# Charles Édouard Guillaume

> Swiss physicist (1861-1938)

**Wikidata**: [Q123026](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q123026)  
**Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Charles-Édouard_Guillaume)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/charles-edouard-guillaume

## Summary
Charles Édouard Guillaume was a Swiss physicist (1861–1938) best known for his pioneering work in the development of high-precision alloys, particularly invar, which has minimal thermal expansion. His contributions earned him the Nobel Prize in Physics in 1920 and shaped modern metrology and materials science.

## Biography
- Born: 15 February 1861, Fleurier, Switzerland
- Nationality: Swiss
- Education: Doctorate from the University of Zurich (1884)
- Known for: Developing invar, a nickel-steel alloy with near-zero thermal expansion
- Employer(s): ETH Zurich, University of Zurich, International Bureau of Weights and Measures
- Field(s): Physics, materials science

## Contributions
- Developed invar, a nickel-steel alloy with minimal thermal expansion, which revolutionized precision instruments and engineering (1910s).
- Led the International Bureau of Weights and Measures, contributing to global standardization of measurement units.
- Published foundational research on the properties of metals and alloys, influencing industrial applications.

## FAQs
- **What was Charles Édouard Guillaume's most significant invention?**
  He developed invar, a nickel-steel alloy with near-zero thermal expansion, which became essential for precision instruments and engineering.

- **Where did Charles Édouard Guillaume work?**
  He was affiliated with the University of Zurich, ETH Zurich, and the International Bureau of Weights and Measures.

- **What awards did Charles Édouard Guillaume receive?**
  He won the Nobel Prize in Physics (1920) and was honored with the Legion of Honour by France.

- **What was his educational background?**
  He earned a doctorate from the University of Zurich in 1884.

## Why They Matter
Charles Édouard Guillaume's work on invar transformed industries by enabling more accurate and stable measurements. His innovations in materials science laid the groundwork for modern metrology, and his leadership at the International Bureau of Weights and Measures helped standardize global measurement systems. His legacy endures in precision engineering, where his alloys remain critical to this day.

## Notable For
- Nobel Prize in Physics (1920)
- Development of invar, a revolutionary nickel-steel alloy
- Leadership at the International Bureau of Weights and Measures
- Grand Officer of the Legion of Honour (France)
- Doctor honoris causa from the University of Paris

## Body
### Early Life and Education
Charles Édouard Guillaume was born on 15 February 1861 in Fleurier, Switzerland. He studied at the University of Zurich, where he earned his doctorate in 1884. His early work focused on the properties of metals, particularly their thermal expansion.

### Career and Research
Guillaume began his academic career at the University of Zurich before joining ETH Zurich. His research into the behavior of metals led to the discovery of invar, a nickel-steel alloy with minimal thermal expansion. This breakthrough was published in 1910 and earned him international recognition.

### International Impact
In 1921, Guillaume was appointed to the International Bureau of Weights and Measures, where he played a key role in standardizing measurement units. His work influenced global metrology, ensuring greater precision in scientific and industrial applications.

### Honors and Legacy
Guillaume was awarded the Nobel Prize in Physics in 1920 for his contributions to the study of metals and their properties. He also received the Legion of Honour from France and was honored with a doctorate from the University of Paris. His legacy endures in the alloys he developed, which remain essential in precision engineering today.

## References

1. BnF authorities
2. Integrated Authority File
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4. Historical Dictionary of Switzerland
5. [The Nobel Prize in Physics 1920. Nobel Foundation](http://www.nobelprize.org/nobel_prizes/physics/laureates/1920/index.html)
6. [Table showing prize amounts. Nobel Foundation. 2019](https://www.nobelprize.org/uploads/2019/04/prize-amounts-2020.pdf)
7. Léonore database
8. [Source](https://www.scientificlib.com/en/Physics/Info/GuthrieMedalAndPrize.html)
9. [Source](https://www.iop.org/about/awards/silver-subject-medals/dennis-gabor-medal-and-prize-recipients)
10. [Source](https://thejohnscottaward.github.io/jsc/1901-1950.html)
11. [Source](https://books.google.fr/books?id=_lLqDwAAQBAJ&pg=PA1906&lpg=PA1906)
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19. La France savante
20. [Encyclopædia Britannica](http://www.britannica.com/EBchecked/topic/248688/Charles-Edouard-Guillaume)
21. [nobelprize.org](https://data.nobelprize.org/resource/laureate/25)
22. Library of Congress Authorities
23. [nobelprize.org](https://www.nobelprize.org/prizes/physics/1920/guillaume/biographical/)
24. Freebase Data Dumps. 2013
25. nobelprize.org
26. Autoritats UB