Blasius: A life in research and education

The Blasius boundary layer solution is a basic feature of fluid mechanics, and the first application of Prandtl's boundary layer concept as a significant issue in engineering. This work highlights the contributions of Blasius to hydrodynamics over a period of only six years, which marked the initiation of boundary layer theory. His main papers relating to aerodynamics and smooth turbulent pipe flow are also reviewed, and a biography puts his career into the general environment of Germany over the period of two World Wars. A complete bibliography of Blasius is provided.