Alessandro Volta

Alessandro Giuseppe Antonio Anastasio Volta was born to Filippo Volta and Maria Teresa Inzaghi in Como, a town in the Duchy of Milan, part of the Spanish Empire. He was the seventh of eight children.

Volta begins his formal education at the Jesuit School in Como, where he studies Latin, mathematics, and physics. His early interest in science and electricity is nurtured here.

At the age of 18, Volta publishes his first scientific paper, 'De vi attractiva ignis electrici,' which discusses the attractive force of electric fire. This work begins to establish his reputation in the scientific community.

Volta is appointed as a professor of experimental physics at the Royal School in Como, a significant milestone in his academic career. He continues his research on electricity and electrostatics.

Volta discovers methane gas during his investigations of marsh gases in the marshes of Lago Maggiore. This discovery is a crucial contribution to the understanding of chemical elements.

Volta is appointed as a professor of experimental physics at the University of Pavia, one of the oldest and most prestigious universities in Italy. He continues his groundbreaking research on electricity.

Volta invents the voltaic pile, the first electrical battery capable of producing a steady current. This invention revolutionizes the study of electricity and earns him international acclaim.

Volta travels to Paris to demonstrate his voltaic pile to Napoleon Bonaparte, who is impressed by the invention. Napoleon bestows honors and a pension on Volta for his contributions to science.

Volta is appointed as the director of the philosophical faculty at the University of Pavia, a position that reflects his high standing in the scientific community and his contributions to education.

Alessandro Volta dies in his hometown of Como, Italy, leaving behind a legacy as one of the most influential scientists in the field of electricity. His contributions continue to impact modern technology.