Leo Meyer (philologist)

Leo Meyer (18 August 1830 – 6 March 1910) was a German philologist specializing in comparative linguistics, particularly Indo-European languages. He is notable for his work on Germanic philology and his contributions to the study of language development and sound change.

Meyer was born in Bleckede, Hanover. He studied classical philology and comparative linguistics at the University of Göttingen, earning his doctorate in 1853. He later became a professor at the University of Göttingen, where he remained for the majority of his academic career.

Meyer's research focused on the historical development of languages, with a particular emphasis on Germanic languages such as German, English, and Gothic. He published extensively on topics such as etymology, grammar, and the history of the German language. His works explored the relationships between different Indo-European languages and sought to uncover the underlying principles of language change.

Key publications by Leo Meyer include:

• Vergleichende Grammatik der griechischen und lateinischen Sprache (Comparative Grammar of Greek and Latin Language)
• Gothische Grammatik (Gothic Grammar)
• Handbuch der germanischen Mythologie (Handbook of Germanic Mythology) (edited)

Meyer's work was influential in the development of comparative linguistics and helped to establish the field as a distinct academic discipline. He is remembered as a significant figure in the study of Indo-European languages and for his contributions to our understanding of language evolution. He died in Göttingen.