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Starting Out
Mach began his studies at the University of Vienna, where he studied physics and medical physiology (only one semester), then received his doctorate in 1860 with his thesis being "Über elektrische Ladungen und Induktion", which loosely translates to "electric charges and induction"(Google Translate). -
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Professional Transitions
In 1864 he accepted a position at the University of Graz as a Mathematics Professor. 2 years later, in 1866, he was appointed to be a Professor of Physics, and in 1867 at Charles University in Prague, he became the chair of Experimental Physics. -
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Sound Waves
During this 20 year span, Mach developed ways and methods of photography to measure soundwaves and shockwaves. Using "Schlieren" photography, Mach and his son were able to photograph shadows surrounding an invisible shockwave. This shockwave was created by a bullet that had reached a speed greater than that of the speed of sound. -
The Apex
Upon photographing the shockwave created by the bullet, it was observed that the wave itself is in the shape of a cone, with the projectile in the apex, as if the soundwave was "bending" around the projectile as a result of the bullet traveling faster. This experiment and its observations ultimately led to the famous "Mach" numbering system used today to describe the speed of fluid bodies versus the speed of sound. It is most commonly used in reference to jets reaching "Mach1" and so on. -
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The Sensations
Mach believed that all forms of knowledge come from what we can physically experience. He disputed the existence of atoms, and in his later years, after suffering a stroke or cardiac arrest (unclear which exactly happened as Britannica.com says stroke, Google.com says cardiac arrest) he retired and moved in with his son until he passed away a day after his 78th birthday.
