Birth house of Prokop Diviš, Scientific heritage site in Žamberk, Czech Republic
The Birth House of Prokop Diviš is a traditional wooden structure located in Žamberk that reflects rural architecture from the 18th century. The building now functions as a museum displaying documents and replicas related to electrical experiments and scientific discoveries.
The house is the birthplace of Prokop Diviš, who invented the first grounded lightning conductor in 1754. This invention came six years before Benjamin Franklin's similar concept.
The building bears the name of its most famous resident and reminds visitors of the scientific passion that emerged from an ordinary provincial home. Walking through, you notice how this modest dwelling became the birthplace of important ideas.
The house is located on Betlém Street in Žamberk and is accessible as a museum with knowledgeable guides explaining the scientific experiments. It is helpful to check in advance if tours are available, as opening times may vary.
The original lightning conductor system designed by Diviš was approximately 40 meters tall and featured a horizontal iron cross with metal boxes and spikes. This early protective device was far more sophisticated than many people realize, demonstrating advanced technical understanding.
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