# Félix Savart

> French physicist (1791–1841)

**Wikidata**: [Q711509](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q711509)  
**Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Félix_Savart)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/felix-savart

## Summary
Félix Savart was a French physicist, professor, engineer, and physician who made significant contributions to the fields of physics and acoustics in the early 19th century. He is best known for his collaboration with Jean-Baptiste Biot in formulating the Biot-Savart law, a fundamental principle in classical magnetism, and for inventing the Savart wheel, an acoustical device used to generate specific pitches.

## Biography
- **Born**: June 30, 1791
- **Died**: March 16, 1841
- **Nationality**: French
- **Education**: Collège de France, University of Strasbourg
- **Known for**: Co-developing the Biot-Savart law and inventing the Savart wheel
- **Employer(s)**: Collège de France, Grande Armée
- **Field(s)**: Physics, acoustics, medicine, engineering

## Contributions
Félix Savart made several key contributions to science and engineering:
- **Biot-Savart Law**: Collaborated with Jean-Baptiste Biot to formulate this fundamental law of classical magnetism, which describes the magnetic field generated by an electric current.
- **Savart Wheel**: Invented an acoustical device used to generate specific pitches, contributing to the study of sound and vibration.
- **Acoustics Research**: Conducted pioneering work in acoustics, including the study of mechanical waves and their interaction with matter.
- **Medical and Engineering Work**: Applied his knowledge of physics to practical problems in medicine and engineering, reflecting his interdisciplinary expertise.

## FAQs

### What is Félix Savart best known for?
Félix Savart is best known for his collaboration with Jean-Baptiste Biot in formulating the Biot-Savart law, a cornerstone of classical magnetism. He is also recognized for inventing the Savart wheel, an acoustical device used to generate specific pitches.

### Where did Félix Savart receive his education?
Félix Savart studied at the Collège de France and the University of Strasbourg, both prestigious institutions that contributed to his multidisciplinary expertise in physics, medicine, and engineering.

### What was the Biot-Savart law?
The Biot-Savart law is a fundamental principle in classical magnetism that describes how the magnetic field generated by a steady electric current is related to the current's magnitude, direction, and distance from the observation point. It was co-developed by Félix Savart and Jean-Baptiste Biot.

### What is the Savart wheel?
The Savart wheel is an acoustical device invented by Félix Savart to generate specific pitches. It was used in the study of sound, vibration, and the behavior of mechanical waves in different materials.

### What fields did Félix Savart work in?
Félix Savart was a versatile scientist who worked in multiple fields, including physics, acoustics, medicine, and engineering. His interdisciplinary approach allowed him to make contributions across these domains.

### What organizations was Félix Savart affiliated with?
Félix Savart was affiliated with the Collège de France, a prestigious higher education and research institution in Paris, and the Grande Armée, the field army of the French Imperial Army during the Napoleonic Wars.

## Why They Matter
Félix Savart's work had a lasting impact on the fields of physics and acoustics. The Biot-Savart law remains a fundamental tool in electromagnetism, used in both theoretical and applied contexts. His inventions, such as the Savart wheel, advanced the study of sound and vibration, influencing later developments in acoustics. Savart's interdisciplinary approach, spanning physics, medicine, and engineering, demonstrated the interconnectedness of scientific fields and inspired future generations of scientists to explore multiple domains.

## Notable For
- Co-developing the **Biot-Savart law**, a fundamental principle in classical magnetism.
- Inventing the **Savart wheel**, an acoustical device for generating specific pitches.
- Conducting pioneering research in **acoustics**, including the study of mechanical waves.
- Being affiliated with prestigious institutions such as the **Collège de France** and the **University of Strasbourg**.
- Contributing to multiple fields, including **physics, medicine, and engineering**, showcasing his interdisciplinary expertise.

## Body

### Early Life and Education
Félix Savart was born on June 30, 1791, in France. He pursued his education at the Collège de France and the University of Strasbourg, where he developed a strong foundation in physics, medicine, and engineering. His academic background equipped him with the knowledge and skills to make significant contributions to multiple scientific fields.

### Career and Affiliations
Savart's career was marked by his affiliation with prestigious institutions. He worked at the Collège de France, a renowned higher education and research establishment in Paris, where he conducted much of his groundbreaking research. Additionally, he was associated with the Grande Armée, the field army of the French Imperial Army during the Napoleonic Wars, highlighting his diverse professional engagements.

### Scientific Contributions
Savart's most notable contribution to science was his collaboration with Jean-Baptiste Biot in formulating the Biot-Savart law. This law is a fundamental principle in classical magnetism, describing the magnetic field generated by an electric current. It remains a cornerstone of electromagnetism and is widely used in both theoretical and applied contexts.

In the field of acoustics, Savart invented the Savart wheel, a device designed to generate specific pitches. This invention was instrumental in the study of sound and vibration, contributing to the understanding of mechanical waves and their interaction with different materials. His work in acoustics laid the groundwork for future advancements in the field.

### Interdisciplinary Work
Savart's expertise extended beyond physics and acoustics. He also made contributions to medicine and engineering, demonstrating his interdisciplinary approach to scientific inquiry. His ability to apply principles from one field to another allowed him to tackle complex problems and develop innovative solutions.

### Legacy and Influence
Félix Savart's work has had a lasting impact on the scientific community. The Biot-Savart law continues to be a fundamental tool in the study of electromagnetism, while his inventions in acoustics have influenced the development of sound technology. His interdisciplinary approach has inspired future generations of scientists to explore the connections between different fields, fostering a holistic understanding of scientific principles.

### Recognition and Honors
Savart's contributions to science have been recognized through his affiliation with prestigious institutions and his enduring influence on the fields of physics and acoustics. His work remains a testament to the power of interdisciplinary research and the importance of collaboration in scientific discovery.

## References

1. MacTutor History of Mathematics archive
2. BnF authorities
3. Integrated Authority File
4. list of professors at Collège de France
5. Find a Grave
6. [Source](https://www.appl-lachaise.net/savart-felix-1791-1841/)
7. [Source](https://catalogues.royalsociety.org/CalmView/Record.aspx?src=CalmView.Persons&id=NA1403&pos=1)
8. International Standard Name Identifier
9. Virtual International Authority File
10. SNAC
11. Brockhaus Enzyklopädie
12. Croatian Encyclopedia
13. Freebase Data Dumps. 2013
14. [Source](https://numerabilis.u-paris.fr/ressources/pdf/sfhm/hsm/HSMx2015x049x001/HSMx2015x049x001.pdf)
15. [Source](http://digitale.beic.it/primo_library/libweb/action/search.do?fn=search&vid=BEIC&vl%283134987UI0%29=creator&vl%28freeText0%29=Savart%20Félix)
16. CERL Thesaurus
17. La France savante