The Physikalische Gesellschaft zu Berlin , founded in 1845 as a local association, became a centre of interdisciplinarity. Until about 1880 the Physical Society contributed to the development of interdisciplinary sciences like bio(medical)physics, astrophysics and Physics of the earth (physical meteorology). In the same way the emergence of well-founded electrotechnics and scientific device construction was promoted by physics.

Nobelprizewinner Ferdinand Braun worked as a teacher for three years (1874–1977) at the Leipzig Thomas School. In this time, essential for him, he developed his most important discovery: the effect of semiconductivity. Furthermore he demonstrated his pedagogical talent as a teacher and wrote an approval, popularized book for young people. The experiences of that time had a influence upon his future work.