The year 1847 in science and technology involved some significant events, listed below.

Mathematics

• George Boole formalizes symbolic logic in The Mathematical Analysis of Logic, defining what is now called Boolean algebra

Medicine

• Ignaz Semmelweis studies and prevents the transmission of puerperal fever

Physics

• Hermann von Helmholtz formally states the law of conservation of energy

Awards

• Copley Medal: John Herschel
• Wollaston Medal for Geology: Ami Boué

Births

• February 11 - Thomas Edison (d. 1931), inventor.
• March 3 - Alexander Graham Bell (d. 1922), inventor.

Deaths

• March 9 - Mary Anning (b. 1799), paleontologist.