Introduction

The last paper in this collection is Max Planck’s Memorial Address of 16 February 1894. It summarizes Hertz’s life and work and provides perceptive insights into his character; evident throughout is Planck’s profound admiration for Hertz both as a physicist and as a man. Planck’s address climaxed in a ringing tribute from one great physicist to another:

Spoken or unspoken, the name of Hertz will be among the first of this generation, as long as men pay attention to electromagnetic waves. But we, the Physical Society, we will sun ourselves in the glow of his name, yes, we will share in its glory, for he was truly one of us.