For anyone who has pets, you know how important they are in our lives. Pets provide support, friendship, and in some cases, inspiration. Scientists are no exception when it comes to the love of their pets. Here are just a few famous scientists who have not only found companionship in their animals, but inspiration as well.
Macak the cat: Inventor Nikola Tesla, was inspired to study electricity because of the static electric sparks on his cat when he would pet him. His beloved cat “sparked” his interest in electricity and inventing.
Hubble and Copernicus: Edwin Hubble, who is responsible for explaining our expanding universe, had a cat named Copernicus. In his archives, there is evidence of a deep bond between the two. Hubble made sure all Copernicus’ needs were met, including installing a cat door and giving him all the pipe cleaners he wanted (which were his toy of choice).
James Clerk Maxwell and his pooches:James Clerk Maxwell who formulated the theory of electromagnetic radiation, always had his dogs accompany him in his lab. He always said that animals were easier to get along with than people, and sought out the companionship of his two dogs Toby and Coonie. In a statue commemorating his work,Toby can be seen loyally at Maxwell’s feet.
Albert Einstein loved animals: Albert Einstein once said “If a man aspires towards a righteous life, his first act of abstinence is from injury to animals.” His cat, Tiger, was always by his side and helped him decipher the world around him. He also had a parrot named Bibo, who he would tell jokes to in order to cheer him up.
The best lunch date: Ludwig Boltzmann, who developed statistical mechanics, had a loyal German shepherd. Every day at noon, the German shepherd would wander on his own from the family farm to meet Boltzmann at a local pub and take a nap at Boltzmann’s feet. These were just the breaks the scientists needed to make his scientific breakthroughs.