Named in memory of the Czech scientist, Praemon-strat monk and priest Prokop Václav Diviš (1698–1765), who was known for his experiments with electricity. On 1754 June 15 he erected his “meteorological machine” on the grounds of his vicarage near Znojma in South Moravia. This was a kind of lightning rod consisting of some 400 iron peaks on plates on a high bar. Its aim was to exhaust the electricity from storm clouds and lead it groundward along chains, thus preventing lightning strikes. Diviš also used electricity in medical treatment. (M 34621) _ _.