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Horace Bénédict de Saussure was born in Conches, near Geneva, in 1740 and died in Geneva in 1799.
Answer: True
Explanation: Horace Bénédict de Saussure was born in Conches, a town near Geneva, on February 17, 1740, and passed away in Geneva on January 22, 1799.
Saussure's father, Nicolas de Saussure, was a prominent botanist who greatly influenced his son's early scientific interests.
Answer: False
Explanation: While Saussure's father, Nicolas de Saussure, was involved in agriculture and authored works, it was his uncle, the naturalist Charles Bonnet, who significantly fostered Horace Bénédict's early interest in botany.
Saussure completed his formal education at the Geneva Academy in 1762, presenting a dissertation focused on the subject of heat.
Answer: True
Explanation: Saussure concluded his studies at the Geneva Academy in 1762, where he presented a dissertation concerning the nature of heat.
Saussure held the position of professor of philosophy at the Geneva Academy for over two decades, from 1762 to 1786.
Answer: True
Explanation: Saussure was appointed professor of philosophy at the Geneva Academy in 1762 at the age of 22 and maintained this role until 1786, a period of 24 years.
Both of Saussure's children became notable scientists in the fields of chemistry and botany.
Answer: False
Explanation: While Saussure's son, Nicolas-Théodore, was a notable plant chemist, his daughter, Albertine Necker de Saussure, was recognized as a pioneer in women's education. Therefore, the statement that both became scientists in chemistry and botany is inaccurate.
In which year and city did Horace Bénédict de Saussure die?
Answer: 1799, Geneva
Explanation: Horace Bénédict de Saussure passed away on January 22, 1799, in Geneva.
Who fostered Saussure's early interest in botany?
Answer: His uncle, the naturalist Charles Bonnet
Explanation: Due to his mother's health, Horace Bénédict de Saussure was raised by his aunt and uncle, the naturalist Charles Bonnet, who played a crucial role in nurturing his early interest in botany.
For approximately how many years did Horace Bénédict de Saussure serve as a professor at the Geneva Academy?
Answer: 24 years (1762-1786)
Explanation: Saussure held the position of professor at the Geneva Academy from 1762 until 1786, encompassing a tenure of 24 years.
Saussure's early work in 1762, influenced by his uncle, focused on which area?
Answer: Plant physiology and leaf structure
Explanation: Horace Bénédict de Saussure's early research in 1762, undertaken with the influence of his uncle, primarily concentrated on the physiology of plants, specifically their leaves and petals.
Saussure's initial journey to Chamonix in 1760 was primarily motivated by a desire to be the first to climb Mont Blanc.
Answer: False
Explanation: Saussure's first expedition to the Chamonix valley in 1760 was primarily undertaken to collect plant specimens for Albrecht von Haller. While he did offer a reward for climbing Mont Blanc, this was not the motivation for his initial trip.
Saussure successfully ascended mountains like the Buet and Crammont and was among the first to reach the summit of Mont Blanc.
Answer: True
Explanation: Saussure's Alpine explorations included ascents of mountains such as the Buet and Crammont. He also participated in the third ascent of Mont Blanc in 1787.
Saussure spent 17 days on the Col du Géant in 1788, conducting detailed meteorological and physical measurements.
Answer: True
Explanation: During 1788, Saussure dedicated 17 days to meticulous meteorological and physical observations while situated on the Col du Géant, a significant high-altitude pass.
Saussure viewed the Alps primarily as a setting for mountaineering adventures rather than as a scientific resource.
Answer: False
Explanation: Saussure considered the Alps to be an essential 'natural laboratory' for understanding geology and meteorology, integrating his scientific observations and experiments into his work, rather than merely a venue for adventure.
Horace Bénédict de Saussure is widely recognized as founding?
Answer: Alpinism and modern meteorology
Explanation: Horace Bénédict de Saussure is widely regarded as a foundational figure in both alpinism, the practice of mountain climbing, and modern meteorology, the scientific study of atmospheric phenomena.
What was the primary purpose of Saussure's first trip to the Chamonix valley in 1760?
Answer: To collect plant specimens for Albrecht von Haller
Explanation: The principal objective of Horace Bénédict de Saussure's initial expedition to the Chamonix valley in 1760 was to gather plant specimens for the renowned Swiss anatomist and botanist Albrecht von Haller.
Saussure's geological approach involved treating the Alps as a:
Answer: Natural laboratory for scientific study
Explanation: Horace Bénédict de Saussure conceptualized the Alps as a vital 'natural laboratory' for his geological research, meticulously examining strata, rocks, fossils, and minerals to understand Earth's processes.
Horace Bénédict de Saussure is primarily recognized for his significant contributions in the fields of geology, meteorology, and physics, rather than astronomy and mathematics.
Answer: True
Explanation: While Saussure's work touched upon various scientific disciplines, his most significant contributions were in geology, meteorology, physics, and botany, as well as founding alpinism. Astronomy and mathematics were not his primary fields of focus.
Saussure utilized barometers and boiling-point thermometers to measure atmospheric conditions at high altitudes.
Answer: True
Explanation: Saussure employed barometers and thermometers that measured the boiling point of water to ascertain atmospheric pressure and temperature at elevated altitudes during his expeditions.
Saussure believed meteorological observations were best conducted solely from ground-level stations.
Answer: False
Explanation: Saussure strongly advocated for the importance of conducting meteorological observations from high-altitude locations, recognizing the value of data collected at various elevations.
Based on the provided information, which scientific discipline is NOT identified as a primary area of contribution for Horace Bénédict de Saussure?
Answer: Astronomy
Explanation: The provided sources indicate that Saussure made significant contributions to botany, meteorology, geology, and physics. Astronomy is not listed as a primary field of his work.
What did Saussure's research reveal about the temperature of deep lakes?
Answer: It is consistently cold throughout the year.
Explanation: Saussure's research indicated that the water at the bottom of deep lakes maintains a stable, cold temperature consistently throughout the entire year.
Saussure's 1783 work 'Essais sur l'Hygrométrie' primarily focused on which aspect of atmospheric phenomena?
Answer: Atmospheric humidity and evaporation
Explanation: The 1783 publication 'Essais sur l'Hygrométrie' by Horace Bénédict de Saussure detailed his investigations into atmospheric humidity, evaporation, and related phenomena such as clouds and fog.
What did Saussure find regarding the penetration of seasonal temperature variations into the ground?
Answer: It took about six months to penetrate 30 feet.
Explanation: According to Horace Bénédict de Saussure's findings, seasonal temperature variations required approximately six months to penetrate 30 feet into the ground.
Horace Bénédict de Saussure is widely credited with establishing the field of modern volcanology.
Answer: False
Explanation: While Saussure conducted geological studies of volcanoes, including Mount Etna and those in the Auvergne region, he is not credited with establishing modern volcanology. His primary contributions lie in meteorology and alpinism.
During his travels in 1772-1773, Saussure conducted geological studies of extinct volcanoes in the Auvergne region of France and Mount Etna in Italy.
Answer: True
Explanation: Saussure's geological investigations between 1772 and 1773 included examining the extinct volcanoes of the Auvergne region in France and the active volcano Mount Etna in Italy.
Saussure supported the Plutonist theory, which posits that rocks primarily form from volcanic activity.
Answer: False
Explanation: Saussure was a proponent of the Neptunian theory, which asserted that rocks and minerals originate from deposition by water, contrasting with the Plutonist theory focused on volcanic origins.
Saussure's geological findings suggested that the Earth was significantly younger than previously believed during his time.
Answer: False
Explanation: Through his detailed geological observations, Saussure concluded that the Earth was considerably older than the prevailing scientific estimates of his era, contributing to the development of geological time scales.
Saussure's research revealed that the water at the bottom of deep lakes maintains a consistent cold temperature throughout the year.
Answer: True
Explanation: Through his investigations, Saussure observed and documented that the water at the lowest depths of lakes maintains a stable, cold temperature irrespective of seasonal changes.
Saussure was the originator of the term 'geology'.
Answer: False
Explanation: While Saussure was an early and influential user of the term 'geology,' particularly in his 'Voyages dans les Alpes,' he was not its originator. His usage, however, significantly contributed to its popularization.
The mineral Saussurite is named after Saussure in recognition of his contributions as a mineralogist.
Answer: True
Explanation: The mineral Saussurite bears the name of Horace Bénédict de Saussure, honoring his significant expertise and contributions within the field of mineralogy.
What geological theory did Saussure support, proposing that rocks primarily form from deposition by water?
Answer: Neptunism
Explanation: Horace Bénédict de Saussure was a proponent of the Neptunian theory, which posited that rocks and minerals predominantly originate from deposition by water.
Based on his geological observations, Saussure concluded that the Earth was:
Answer: Significantly older than previously believed
Explanation: Through his extensive geological observations, Saussure concluded that the Earth was considerably older than the prevailing scientific estimates of his time, a finding that influenced later geological thought.
The mineral Saussurite is named in honor of Saussure's contributions in which scientific field?
Answer: Mineralogy/Geology
Explanation: The mineral Saussurite was named in recognition of Horace Bénédict de Saussure's significant contributions and expertise, particularly within the discipline of mineralogy.
In 1767, Saussure constructed what is considered the first known Western solar oven, designed to capture solar heat.
Answer: True
Explanation: In 1767, Horace Bénédict de Saussure designed and built what is recognized as the first known Western solar oven, intended for the practical application of solar heat.
Saussure developed a specialized thermometer with a sluggish bulb designed to retain heat for studying the earth's temperature.
Answer: True
Explanation: Saussure adapted thermometers for specific scientific applications, including one with a slow-response bulb designed to measure the earth's temperature by retaining heat.
Saussure invented the anemometer to measure wind speed.
Answer: True
Explanation: Among the instruments Saussure invented or refined was the anemometer, utilized for the measurement of wind speed.
What invention by Saussure in 1767 is considered the first known Western solar oven?
Answer: A device designed to capture and concentrate solar heat
Explanation: In 1767, Horace Bénédict de Saussure constructed a device recognized as the first known Western solar oven, fundamentally designed to capture and concentrate solar heat for practical use.
Which instrument did Saussure invent to measure and quantify the blueness of the sky?
Answer: Cyanometer
Explanation: The cyanometer was specifically devised by Saussure for the purpose of measuring and quantifying the intensity of the sky's blue color, serving as an indicator of atmospheric clarity.
Which of the following was NOT among the instruments Saussure invented or refined according to the source?
Answer: Barograph
Explanation: The provided information lists the diaphanometer, hygrometer, and anemometer among the instruments invented or refined by Saussure. The barograph is not mentioned in this context.
What was the outcome of the scientific debate involving Saussure's hygrometer?
Answer: It led to a controversy with Jean-André Deluc.
Explanation: Saussure's hair hygrometer became the subject of a notable scientific controversy involving Jean-André Deluc, who had previously developed his own version of the instrument.
Saussure's solar oven experiments demonstrated that its high temperatures were primarily due to:
Answer: Concentrated solar radiation, independent of ambient air.
Explanation: Saussure's experiments with his solar oven revealed that its high internal temperatures were largely attributable to the concentration of solar radiation, operating effectively irrespective of the external air temperature.
What did Saussure's experiments with his solar oven demonstrate regarding its temperature?
Answer: It reached 230°F, largely independent of external air temperature.
Explanation: Saussure's experiments with his solar oven demonstrated its effectiveness in trapping heat, reaching temperatures up to 230°F (110°C), and crucially, that this temperature was largely independent of the external air temperature.
Saussure's early published work in 1762 focused on the physiology of plants.
Answer: True
Explanation: Influenced by his uncle Charles Bonnet, Saussure's initial published research in 1762, titled 'Observations sur l'écorce des feuilles et des pétales,' centered on the physiology of plants.
Saussure's 1774 proposal to enhance scientific education in Geneva was successfully implemented, making it accessible to all citizens.
Answer: False
Explanation: Despite Saussure's proposal in 1774 to broaden access to scientific education in Geneva, the initiative did not ultimately succeed in being implemented.
Saussure supported the establishment of the 'Société des Arts' in Geneva in 1776, drawing inspiration from a similar society in Paris.
Answer: False
Explanation: Saussure supported the establishment of the 'Société des Arts' in Geneva in 1776, but the inspiration was drawn from the London Society for the Improvement of Arts, not one in Paris.
Saussure's magnum opus, 'Voyages dans les Alpes,' was published in a single volume in 1780.
Answer: False
Explanation: Saussure's seminal work, 'Voyages dans les Alpes,' was published in multiple volumes between 1779 and 1796, not as a single volume in 1780.
Saussure received recognition from major scientific academies in Sweden, London, and Paris during his lifetime.
Answer: True
Explanation: Saussure's scientific contributions were acknowledged by prestigious institutions, including the Royal Swedish Academy of Sciences, the Royal Society of London, and the Académie des sciences de Paris, which elected him as a member or associate.
Saussure's magnum opus, detailing his extensive observations and experiments from seven Alpine journeys, is titled:
Answer: 'Voyages dans les Alpes'
Explanation: The title of Horace Bénédict de Saussure's seminal work, which meticulously documented his seven expeditions through the Alps and integrated his scientific findings, is 'Voyages dans les Alpes'.
What was the outcome of Saussure's proposal in 1774 to enhance scientific education in Geneva?
Answer: It did not succeed in being implemented.
Explanation: Horace Bénédict de Saussure's 1774 proposal, aimed at improving the accessibility of scientific education in Geneva, unfortunately did not achieve successful implementation.
Which statement accurately describes the achievements of Saussure's children mentioned in the source?
Answer: His daughter pioneered women's education, and his son was a plant chemist.
Explanation: Saussure's daughter, Albertine Necker de Saussure, was a pioneer in women's education, while his son, Nicolas-Théodore de Saussure, distinguished himself as a notable plant chemist.
Horace Bénédict de Saussure was honored by being featured on which denomination of Swiss banknote?
Answer: 20 Swiss francs
Explanation: In commemoration of his scientific legacy, Horace Bénédict de Saussure was honored on the 20 Swiss franc banknote of the sixth series, issued between 1979 and 1995.
The anecdote recounted by Arthur Schopenhauer suggests Saussure fainted on Mont Blanc due to:
Answer: Seeing an unusually large, unrecognized moon
Explanation: An anecdote shared by Arthur Schopenhauer suggests that Horace Bénédict de Saussure fainted on Mont Blanc, purportedly due to terror induced by observing an unusually large and unrecognized moon.