Ivan Puluj: physicist, theologian, patriot

Abstract

Тhe article deals with the investigation of the scientific and publicpolitical activity of the prominent Ukrainian scientist, physicist and electrical engineer Ivan Puluj. His biography is analyzed and Puluy’s formation as a scientist and public figure, a Ukrainian patriot, took place. It was noted that the formation of Puliyu as a conscious Ukrainian was facilitated by a number of factors – family upbringing, belonging to the Greek Catholic Church, patriotic sentiment, widespread at that time among the Ukrainian youth of Galicia. He participated in the work of Ukrainian youth organizations, which stood on patriotic positions. Bullet was concerned with spiritual issues. At a young age he was preparing to become a Greek Catholic priest. At that time, Greek Catholic priests often became national leaders for Galicia’s Ukrainians. Puluj translated religious literature into Ukrainian. Among these translations, the most important was the complete translation of the Bible. This translation was of great importance for the Ukrainian language in the worship of the Orthodox and Greek Catholic Churches. Studies at the Universities of Vienna and Strasbourg gave Puluj opportunities to get acquainted with the achievements of contemporary European science, in particular in the field of physics. Most of his life is connected with the German Higher Technical School in Prague, where he taught and did research. It is shown that the works of a physics scientist have made a significant contribution to the development of electrical engineering. He has created a number of electrical appliances, among which is the phosphorescent lamp that emitted X-rays. This lamp could be used by Wilhelm X-ray when opening X-rays. It is noted that the public activity of Puluj had an influence on Ukrainian culture and national revival, formation and promotion of the Ukrainian national idea. He was a member of the Shevchenko Scientific Society, collaborated with Ukrainian publications, fought for the opening of a Ukrainian university in Lviv, supported Ukrainian students. The bullet should set an example for Ukrainian scientists. He not only had significant achievements in the field of exact sciences, but also addressed humanitarian issues, defending the Ukrainian national idea.