Lambert, Johann Heinrich
Lambert, Johann Heinrich (1728-1777), a German scientist. He made important contributions to mathematics, physics, astronomy, and philosophy. The lambert (a unit of brightness used in physics) and two types of map projections are named for him. He did research on heat and color, and developed a theory of the motion of planets. Lambert educated himself at night after working for his father, a tailor, during the day. For many years he edited Ephemeris, an astronomical almanac. In 1764 Frederick the Great of Prussia named him to the Academy of Sciences.