Ernst Abbe (1840–1905)

German physicist, entrepreneur, and social reformer. Professor extraordinarius of physics, Jena University, 1870–9; professor of physics, 1879–96; director of the observatory, 1877–91. From 1866, collaborated with Carl Zeiss, the owner of a precision-engineering workshop in Jena, in developing the theoretical foundations for substantial improvements in optical technology. Partner in the firm, 1876; sole director, 1888. Introduced health and retirement benefits for employees and established the Carl Zeiss Foundation in 1889.