What Happened This Year 1878

All Events 27 Births 192 Deaths 47

People Who Died in 1878

Ernst Heinrich Weber

Physician and psychologist; Weber's Law

Born

June 24th, 1795 230 years ago

Died

1878 147 years ago — 83 years old

A prominent physician and psychologist, contributions primarily involved sensory perception and psychophysics. Developed Weber's Law, which formulated the relationship between the magnitude of a stimulus and the smallest detectable difference, known as just noticeable difference (JND). This law laid the groundwork for the field of psychophysics and advanced understanding of sensory thresholds. Held a professorship at the University of Leipzig, contributing to academic discourse and research in psychology. Involved in experimental psychology, emphasizing the empirical measurement of psychological phenomena.

Charles Hodge

Theologian and author

Born

December 27th, 1797 227 years ago

Died

1878 147 years ago — 81 years old

A prominent theologian contributed to the development of Reformed theology in America. Played a critical role at Princeton Theological Seminary, serving as a professor for over forty years. Authored significant works including systematic theology textbooks which provided comprehensive insights into Christian doctrine and biblical interpretation. Edited the Princeton Review, influencing theological discourse during the 19th century. Engaged in debates on theology and modernism, defending traditional beliefs while addressing contemporary issues.