Known primarily for his theories on the behavior of sound waves, Doppler was one of the first major Austrian physicists, and his research on the Doppler effect led to tremendous advances in scientific thinking, especially in the field of astronomy.

Born in Salzburg, Doppler intended to follow his father into the stonemason's trade. However, chronic health problems eliminated the possibility of so physically taxing a career, and he soon redirected his efforts toward the business field. His natural talent for mathematics placed him at the head of his classes and, at the advice of one instructor, Doppler enrolled at the Polytechnic Institute in Vienna. Unsatisfied with the curriculum, he returned to Salzburg to complete his education privately. After graduation he worked as a tutor and mathematical assistant, but he longed desperately for a professorship--so much, in fact, that he was on the brink of emigrating to America, where...