Gustav Theodor Fechner
Leipzig, Germany
Fechner's dwelling; his bust in the zoological gardens.
The focus of my visit to Leipzig was Wundt, not Fechner, so I do not know whether there are additional Fechnerian artifacts to be located at the University or anywhere about the city. I do not even know whether there is an extant gravestone. Any assistance in this regard would be most helpful.
Fechner was born in 1801 in Särchen, Germany, and died in 1887 in Leipzig. His career at the University of Leipzig began in 1817 with his matriculation as a medical student. His degree was granted in 1822. In 1834 he was appointed to a professorship in physics at the University, and he remained affiliated with the University until his death. For an overview of the multi-tracked career of this interesting man, one could consult Boring's A history of experimental psychology - any edition.
Fechner was the pioneer of mental measurement. His program in psychophysics was developed to measure the relationship between the physical and the psychical aspects of nature. Fechner's Elemente der psychophysik (1860) is considered by many to mark the beginning of scientific psychology. This work summarizes the previous decade of research and thinking by Fechner. It establishes the basis for Fechner's major contribution to psychology, Fechner's Law, the mathematical statement of the relationship between the physical and psychical aspects. From Fechner's work came the familiar concepts of absolute threshold and just noticeable differences (jnd).
Fechner's Residence, from 1850 to 1887, at Scherlstrasse 2.
Fechner's apartment was on the third floor. There is no access to this apartment.The plaque on the house is visible at the lower left.
Plaque on Fechner's Residence..
From the city center one reaches the Fechner house by
trolley or auto. From Augustusplatz (at the Gewandhaus concert hall), board the Dresdener
Strasse trolley. It is only a few stops to Scherlstrasse, which
intersects Dresdener Strasse on the left-hand side. The building housing Fechner's
apartment is directly at the intersection of these two streets, on the east side of
Scherlstrasse. If driving, use the same instructions.
Fechner's Bust Located in the Zoologischer Garten
The zoo may seem an unusual location for Fechner's bust, but it was explained to me that this was Fechner's favorite spot in Leipzig. The zoo is located off Pfaffendorfer Strasse. By trolley from the city center (at the Gewandhaus concert hall), board the trolley that passes the zoo. Get off at the zoo stop. Pay on entering the zoo, and consult the plan just inside the entrance for the location of the statue. The zoo can be reached by foot from the train station in 20 minutes. Consult a city map in the station, or inquire at the information kiosk.
Although I have marked travel to the Fechner sites from Augustusplatz by trolley, I believe the same trolley lines can be picked up outside the rail station. Inquire at the information kiosk.
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