ABSTRACT
Although psychologists know Gustav Fechner primarily as the originator of psy-chophysics (a name that he himself coined), an examination of his life reveals an individual of versatility and achievement in many fields. His contribution to psychological measurement was fundamental. In addition, he wrote satire, made important contributions to the physics of electricity, and experimented with the chemistry of bromine. Fechner gained additional fame as the founder of experimental esthetics. In his old age he became interested in the study of mediums and psychic phenomena. And throughout his long life he was occupied by the problem of the relationship of mind and body, and of the spiritual and the material world. In other words, he was a typical German Gelehrter, a learned individual with a broad spectrum of interests and a unique philosophy of life.
