LICHTENBERG, GEORG CURISTOPII (1742 99). A German physicist and satirist, born at Oberramstadt. Grand Duchy of Hesse. He re (wired his first instruction in mathematics and physical studies from his father. and after studying at 0/Minu-it was appointed professor in the University of Giittingen in 1769. At the end of that year lie went to England, where lie mingled and studied with many of the lending scientists of his day. The results of his investigations appeared later in numerous discoveries in the field of electricity, of which the most important were the electrical figures named after him. In England he became a fre quent visitor to, and student of, the theatre in which Garrick was then a distinguished figure. Aloreo•er, a keen observer by nature and training, in his study of English literature he was soon im pressed by the inferiority of the German wit to that of such men as Swift, after whom lie later patterned to some extent his own satiric method. _liter a second visit to England (1774-75). lie resumed his lectures on experimental physics at G6ttingen. He continued, however, to devote much time to literary pursuits. His keenness
of wit. and his boundless resources of ridicule resulted in his publication of several well aimed satires, of which the best known are his ('gibe• Physioynomik wider die Physioy wanen, against the new science of physiognomy of Lavater, and his Deber die Prmtuncintion der gehlipsc tics elicit Griechenland, against Voss. From 1778 lie edited the Giittingiacher Tose/is-aka/cm/cr. in which lie severely attacked the 'Storm and Stress' writers. Here he published in part his articles on Hogarth, whom lie did much to popularize in Germany. In the com pleted work, the Erkliiritny der llogarthisehen Kupferstiehe (1794 et seq.), lie gave the most brilliant proof of his critical power, by his clear explanation and interpretation of the English artist's work. In later years lie was affected by hypochondria, but, though forced to withdraw from society, eontinued his studies and writings. fins Ordcnkbarher, or Diaries. contain interesting maxims, epigrams. and brief essays. Consul?, Lauchert. Liehtenbergs schriftstelleriselic Thlitig keit (GUttingen. 1893).