Gustav Robert Kirchhoff was reported to have a fastidious and dull personality. However, examining the results of his research career shows constant evidence of imagination, sincerity, and wit. He was able to do what was proclaimed impossible; that is, identify elements making up the sun. Kirchhoff's collaboration with Robert Bunsen was due to a sincere desire to help a friend solve interesting puzzles. A story told about him shows that he did have wit. He told a banker friend that he was investing his money into his research identifying the elements of the sun. The banker countered with "Why do I care if there is gold on the sun? I cannot bring it to earth." Later, Kirchhoff won an award for his work and was paid in British gold sovereigns. Kirchhoff showed the gold coins to his banker friend and said they had come from the sun.

Kirchhoff...