Faith in Action #13: How a French Catholic Deacon Transformed Physics

May 29, 2025

In 18th-century France, when electricity was still a mysterious force and science was the domain of curious minds and candlelit laboratories, one man stood at the crossroads of faith and physics. Jean-Antoine Nollet, a French Catholic deacon who later became a physicist, captivated audiences with his shocking experiments related to electricity. His bold demonstrations laid the groundwork for modern physics and revealed the dramatic potential of scientific inquiry.

From Seminary to Science

Born on November 19, 1700, in Pimprez, France, Nollet's early life was rooted in religious study. He pursued humanities at the Collège de Clermont in Beauvais starting in 1715 and completed a master's degree in theology at the University of Paris in 1724.

Jean was ordained as a deacon in 1728. However, he suspended his clerical career after a few years, as he found his true calling in the burgeoning field of natural philosophy. His association with the Société des Arts in 1728 introduced him to prominent scientists like Charles-François de Cisternay Dufay and René-Antoine Ferchault de Réaumur, with whom he collaborated on various experiments, ranging from insect anatomy to electricity.

Electrifying Experiments

Nollet developed one of the first electrometers, a device to detect and measure electric charge. But perhaps more famously, he gained public attention for his electrifying experiments.

One of his many experimental demonstrations of static electricity was the “Electric Boy”. In this experiment, a young man was suspended from the ceiling using insulating silk cords and then electrified, causing his body to accumulate an electric charge. As a result, objects were attracted to him, and sparks could be produced when another person approached closely.

In another legendary demonstration in 1746, Jean connected 200 monks in a circle over a mile in circumference using iron wire—and shocked them all simultaneously using a Leyden jar, the earliest form of a capacitor. The astonished gasps and synchronised jolts weren’t just entertaining—they proved that electricity travelled at incredible speed.

Pioneering Scientific Discoveries

Beyond his demonstrations, Nollet made significant scientific contributions. In 1748, he discovered osmosis by observing the movement of water through a pig bladder into alcohol, a phenomenon that became foundational in the study of fluid dynamics.

Nollet also investigated the effects of electricity on various substances, including its conduction through tubes, smoke, vapours, and steam, as well as its impact on evaporation, vegetation, and animal life.

Legacy and Influence

Nollet's passion for scientific education was evident in his efforts to popularise physics through public lectures and writings. His works, such as "Leçons de physique expérimentale" and "L’Art des expériences", compiled his lectures and experiments, inspiring future generations of scientists. In 1753, he became the first professor of experimental physics in France at the Collège de Navarre in the University of Paris.

His innovative approach to science communication and hands-on experimentation not only advanced scientific understanding but also made science accessible and engaging to the public.

Conclusion

Jean-Antoine Nollet's journey from a devout deacon to a pioneering physicist exemplifies the harmonious coexistence of faith and reason. His electrifying experiments and dedication to science education left an indelible mark on the history of physics, illuminating the path for future explorations into the natural world.

Sources: Wikipedia, Catholic Answers and Museo Galileo Catalogue

Source of portrait by Quentin de La Tour: pinakothek.de

“Faith in Action” highlights inspiring stories of Catholic priests and nuns who have made remarkable contributions in fields like science, law, and technology. These individuals have pioneered inventions, developed cures, and impacted lives beyond the church. Know someone deserving of recognition? Contact editor@catholicconnect.in.

Read More from Our “Faith in Action” Series:

Faith in Action #1: The Catholic Priest Who Transformed Fluid Dynamics

Faith in Action #2: The Catholic Priest Who Revolutionised Electrical Engineering

Faith in Action #4: Pope Sylvester II: The Medieval Genius Who Invented the Mechanical Clock