The contributions to electromagnetism achieved by Heinrich Hertz at Kiel University

The second half of the 19th century has been the most dynamic period in the development of electromagnetism. During that time, after his Habilitation in Berlin, Heinrich Hertz became a Privatdozent (lecturer and researcher) in physics at Kiel University where he stayed from 1883 until 1885. Although short, it has been a very fruitful period for Hertz particularly as he bridged the gap between the equations of classical (before Maxwell) electrodynamics and Maxwell’s equations. This was important not only for a wider acceptance of the latter, but also for an alternative derivation of Maxwell’s equations, which moreover have been found by Hertz in a more compact form. This paper highlights the scientific activities carried on by Hertz during his stay in Kiel and draws attention to the link between his theoretical research and the unavailability of experimental resources. Eventually, how Hertz is nowadays commemorated in the city of Kiel is shown.