Ernst Weber
Ernst Heinrich Weber (1795-1878) was a was a German anatomist and physiologist
Weber introduced the concept of the just-noticeable difference, which is the smallest difference perceivable between two similar stimuli. This concept is crucial to psychology and sensory physiology
Eponym
Biography
- Born June 24, 1795, in Wittenberg
- professor at the University of Leipzig
- Died January 26, 1878, in Leipzig
Medical Eponyms
Weber test
The Weber test is a screening test for hearing which can detect unilateral conductive and sensorineural hearing loss. It is a useful, quick, and simple screening test for evaluating hearing loss.
Used in patients with unilateral hearing loss to distinguish between conductive and sensorineural hearing loss. Often combined with the Rinne test to detect the location and nature of the hearing loss.
The Weber test is administered by holding a vibrating tuning fork on top of the patient’s head.
Weber law
Refers to the principle that the just-noticeable difference between two stimuli is a constant proportion of the magnitude of the stimuli, was named by Gustav Theodor Fechner
Major Publications
References
Biography
- Ernst Heinrich Weber (1795-1878) leipzig physiologist. JAMA. 1967 Jan 23;199(4):272-3.
Eponymous terms
- Weber Test. StatPearls
Eponym
the person behind the name
