Interests and Political Attitude

ADOLF SCHMIDT was fluent in English and French, as well as classical Greek and Latin. He was also sufficiently strong in Russian to be able to read works in the original. He was a vocal supporter of the development and use of Esperanto for international communication.
His scientific interests also extended to an interest in the arts. He published two works on the numerical demonstration of musical intervals, in the "Zeitschrift für Physik" in 1920 and 1921, developing some new aspects of theoretical harmony.
ADOLF SCHMIDT developed at a young age a strong social consciousness and sense of justice. Unsurprisingly, both affected his political attitude. He joined the League of Human Rights, in order to demonstrate his attitude, and as a result was "persona non grata" for the National-Socialist government.
ADOLF SCHMIDT wrote down into the visitors' book at the inauguration of the Observatory for Geomagnetism in Niemegk on his 70th birthday:

Aien aristeuein kai upeirocon emmenai allwn.

in English, "Always to be excellent, and to distinguish oneself before others".



First page of the Adolf Schmidt Observatory guest book with ADOLF SCHMIDT's inscription


Back