Johann Bernoulli, II, also known as Jean, was a Swiss mathematician, physicist and professor of mathematics at the University of Basel.
Background
Ethnicity:
The Bernoulli family came originally from Antwerp, at that time in the Spanish Netherlands, but emigrated to escape the Spanish persecution of the Protestants. After a brief period in Frankfurt the family moved to Basel, in Switzerland.
Johann Bernoulli, II was born on May 18, 1710, in Basel, Switzerland, the youngest of the three sons of Johann Bernoulli, I and Dorothea Falkner.
Education
Bernoulli, II studied law and in 1727 he obtained the degree of doctor of jurisprudence.
Career
After travelling in France, Bernoulli, II was for five years professor of eloquence in the university of his native city.
On the death of his father, Bernoulli, II succeeded him as professor of mathematics at the University of Basel. He was thrice a successful competitor for the prizes of the Academy of Sciences of Paris. His prize subjects were the capstan, the propagation of light, and the magnet.
He enjoyed the friendship of P. L. M. de Maupertuis, who died under his roof while on his way to Berlin. Johann Bernoulli, II himself died on July 17, 1790, in Basel, Switzerland.
Achievements
Personality
Johann Bernoulli, II was a rather shy person.
Physical Characteristics:
Johann Bernoulli, II had a frail constitution.
Connections
Johann Bernoulli, II was married to Susanna König, by whom he had several sons.