Johann Jakob Balmer was a Swiss mathematician and physicist, born on May 1, 1825, and passed away on March 12, 1898. His most significant contributions are in the field of physics, particularly related to the spectral analysis of the hydrogen atom. Key contributions include: 1. **Balmer Series**: Balmer is best known for the Balmer series in physics, which he discovered in 1885. This series describes the visible spectral lines of the hydrogen atom. 2. **Balmer Formula**: He formulated a simple equation to express the wavelengths of the visible hydrogen lines, known as the Balmer formula. This discovery was pivotal in advancing the understanding of atomic structure. 3. **Impact on Quantum Mechanics**: Although his main field was geometry, Balmer's work on spectral series provided a foundation for the development of quantum mechanics. Balmer's work significantly influenced the scientific understanding of atomic physics and spectroscopy, marking a key milestone in the development of modern physics.