Walther Hermann Nernst was born in Briesen on June 25, 1864, into a prominent Prussian family. The line of his ancestors can be traced back to the era of the first Prussian king in the seventeenth century. His most famous ancestor is Hermann Nernst, who received an award for conveying the news to the king's family about the Germans victory against Napoleon in the Battle of Waterloo. Nernst lost his mother, Ottilie Nerger, very early. His father, Gustav Nernst, was a district judge. Nernst was a very impulsive person and known for his impatience. He died of a heart attack in his country house in Zibelle on November 18, 1941.

When Nernst attended secondary school, his chemistry teacher awakened in him a passion for chemistry. This left a deep impression on the young pupil, who started early to do his own chemistry experiments at home, in...