Chladni meets Napoleon

Abstract.: Chladni belonged to those few scientists who have been able to arouse enthusiasm for their work not only in professional circles, but also in the lay public. During several journeys all over Europe Chladni demonstrated the sound figures he had discovered as well as the musical instruments invented by him. In this respect the invitation pronounced by Napoleon during a longer stay in Paris to show his experiments at the imperial court was undoubtedly a highlight. Chladni has given a personal report on this event. In this article is shall be tried to sketch Chladni's character, based on his own writings but also on comments of his contemporaries.