# Evangelista Torricelli > Italian physicist and mathematician (1608-1647) **Wikidata**: [Q102490](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q102490) **Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Evangelista_Torricelli) **Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/evangelista-torricelli ## Summary Evangelista Torricelli was an Italian physicist and mathematician (1608–1647) best known for inventing the barometer and formulating Torricelli's law in fluid dynamics. His work laid foundational principles in atmospheric pressure measurement and hydrostatics, influencing modern physics and engineering. ## Biography - Born: October 15, 1608, in Florence, Italy - Nationality: Italian - Education: Studied at the University of Pisa and the University of Florence - Known for: Invention of the barometer and contributions to fluid dynamics - Employer(s): University of Pisa, University of Florence, Accademia del Cimento - Field(s): Physics, mathematics ## Contributions - **Invention of the Barometer (1643)**: Torricelli designed the first mercury barometer, demonstrating atmospheric pressure by measuring the height of a mercury column in a sealed tube. This invention revolutionized meteorology and laid the groundwork for modern atmospheric science. - **Torricelli's Law (1644)**: Formulated the principle governing the height of a fluid column in a tube, which became a cornerstone of hydrostatics and fluid dynamics. - **Publication of *Opera Geometrica* (1644)**: A collection of mathematical works, including contributions to geometry and mechanics, which advanced the field of applied mathematics. - **Collaboration with Galileo Galilei**: Worked alongside Galileo on scientific experiments, including studies on fluid motion and atmospheric pressure, contributing to the broader scientific community. - **Development of Mathematical Models**: Created theoretical frameworks for fluid behavior, which influenced later physicists and engineers. ## FAQs ### What was Evangelista Torricelli's most significant invention? Torricelli's most significant invention was the barometer, which he designed in 1643. This device measured atmospheric pressure by observing the height of a mercury column in a sealed tube, revolutionizing meteorology and atmospheric science. ### How did Torricelli's work influence modern physics? Torricelli's invention of the barometer and formulation of Torricelli's law provided foundational principles for understanding atmospheric pressure and fluid dynamics, directly impacting modern physics and engineering. ### Where did Evangelista Torricelli study and work? Torricelli studied at the University of Pisa and the University of Florence. He later became a member of the Accademia del Cimento, a scientific society focused on experimental research. ### What is Torricelli's law? Torricelli's law states that the height of a fluid column in a tube is inversely proportional to the fluid's density, a principle essential to hydrostatics and fluid dynamics. ### Who were Torricelli's scientific collaborators? Torricelli collaborated with Galileo Galilei and other members of the Accademia del Cimento, contributing to experiments in fluid motion and atmospheric pressure. ## Why They Matter Evangelista Torricelli's invention of the barometer and formulation of Torricelli's law revolutionized atmospheric science and hydrostatics. His work provided critical tools for measuring atmospheric pressure, influencing meteorology, aviation, and climate studies. Torricelli's mathematical models and experimental contributions laid the groundwork for modern physics, particularly in fluid dynamics and atmospheric research. His legacy endures in scientific instruments and principles that remain fundamental to physics and engineering today. ## Notable For - Inventor of the first mercury barometer (1643), a landmark in atmospheric science. - Formulator of Torricelli's law, a fundamental principle in hydrostatics. - Publication of *Opera Geometrica* (1644), a significant contribution to applied mathematics. - Collaboration with Galileo Galilei and the Accademia del Cimento on scientific experiments. - Development of mathematical models for fluid behavior, influencing later physicists and engineers. ## Body ### Early Life and Education Evangelista Torricelli was born on October 15, 1608, in Florence, Italy. He studied at the University of Pisa and the University of Florence, where he developed an early interest in mathematics and physics. His education laid the foundation for his later contributions to science. ### Scientific Contributions Torricelli's most significant invention was the barometer, which he designed in 1643. This device measured atmospheric pressure by observing the height of a mercury column in a sealed tube, revolutionizing meteorology and atmospheric science. His formulation of Torricelli's law in 1644 provided a mathematical framework for understanding fluid behavior in tubes, which became essential to hydrostatics and fluid dynamics. ### Mathematical and Philosophical Works Torricelli published *Opera Geometrica* in 1644, a collection of mathematical works that included contributions to geometry and mechanics. His theoretical models advanced the field of applied mathematics and influenced later physicists and engineers. ### Collaboration and Scientific Society Torricelli collaborated with Galileo Galilei and other members of the Accademia del Cimento, a scientific society focused on experimental research. His work alongside these scientists contributed to the broader scientific community and advanced the understanding of fluid motion and atmospheric pressure. ### Legacy and Influence Torricelli's invention of the barometer and formulation of Torricelli's law had a lasting impact on modern physics and engineering. His work provided critical tools for measuring atmospheric pressure, influencing fields such as meteorology, aviation, and climate studies. Torricelli's mathematical models and experimental contributions remain foundational to physics and engineering today. ## References 1. Dizionario Biografico degli Italiani. 2019 2. [Source](https://books.google.cat/books?id=FVZ97lqmSnAC&pg=PA42) 3. Great Soviet Encyclopedia (1969–1978) 4. OPAC SBN 5. BnF authorities 6. MacTutor History of Mathematics archive 7. Complete Dictionary of Scientific Biography 8. The Galileo Project 9. [Source](https://revistasuma.fespm.es/sites/revistasuma.fespm.es/IMG/pdf/60/117-121.pdf) 10. Integrated Authority File 11. Find a Grave 12. Mathematics Genealogy Project 13. International Standard Name Identifier 14. CiNii Research 15. Virtual International Authority File 16. SNAC 17. Brockhaus Enzyklopädie 18. Croatian Encyclopedia 19. Freebase Data Dumps. 2013 20. [Source](http://digitale.beic.it/primo_library/libweb/action/search.do?fn=search&vid=BEIC&vl%283134987UI0%29=creator&vl%28freeText0%29=Torricelli%20Evangelista) 21. [BnF authorities](http://data.bnf.fr/ark:/12148/cb12117674q) 22. Autoritats UB 23. Treccani's Enciclopedia on line 24. Enciclopedia Treccani