February 18

Thābit ibn Qurra was born in Harran in 826 and became one of the most influential scholars of the Islamic Golden Age. He translated key works of Greek mathematics and astronomy, including those of Archimedes and Apollonius, into Arabic, preserving and expanding their knowledge. Thābit developed original theorems in number theory and advanced trigonometric methods used in astronomy. He made significant observations of celestial bodies and worked on the theory of motion. In medicine, he wrote treatises on anatomy and dietetics, blending empirical observation with classical learning. His vast corpus of writings and translations played a crucial role in the transmission of ancient science to later generations.

John Whitehurst was born in 1713 in Congleton, England, where he established a successful clockmaking workshop in Derby. His precision instruments and innovations in temperature-compensated pendulum design advanced timekeeping accuracy. Driven by curiosity, Whitehurst studied natural phenomena and published 'An Inquiry into the Original State and Formation of the Earth' in 1778, offering one of the earliest systematic treatments of geology and paleontology. He also contributed to the development of steam-engine indicators and surveying. Whitehurst served as a member of the Lunar Society, interacting with leading industrial and scientific figures of the Enlightenment. His interdisciplinary work bridged craftsmanship and natural philosophy, influencing later geological research. He died in 1788, leaving a legacy as a notable thinker of his age.

Carl Gustav Jacob Jacobi was born in 1804 and quickly distinguished himself as a prodigy in mathematics. His research on elliptic functions, the theory of determinants, and differential equations established core principles in analysis. Jacobi introduced what are now known as Jacobi elliptic functions and made significant contributions to Hamiltonian mechanics, including the Hamilton–Jacobi equation. He held professorships at Königsberg and Berlin, mentoring students such as Eisenstein and Weierstrass. His rigorous approach and innovative methods influenced the development of algebra and number theory. Despite short stints of ill health, he remained active in research and correspondence until his death in 1851. Today, many mathematical concepts bear his name, reflecting his lasting impact on the field.

Born in 1812, Nikolay Zinin made groundbreaking contributions to organic chemistry during his tenure at the University of Kazan. He discovered the Zinin reduction, a method for converting nitro compounds to amines using sulfide reagents, which laid the foundation for aniline dye production. Zinin’s research advanced the understanding of aromatic chemistry and influenced future generations of chemists. He mentored students who would become leading scientists, fostering a legacy of innovation in Russia. His work bridged theoretical studies and practical applications, impacting both academic research and the chemical industry.

Born on April 22, 1904, in New York City, Oppenheimer was a pioneering figure in quantum mechanics and nuclear physics. He led the Manhattan Project's Los Alamos Laboratory during World War II, overseeing the development and testing of the first atomic weapons. After the war, he became the director of the Institute for Advanced Study at Princeton, guiding research in theoretical physics. He was a devoted scholar with interests in philosophy, languages, and Sanskrit, reflecting a deep intellectual curiosity beyond science. During the Red Scare, he faced security clearance hearings that resulted in his public censure and removal from advisory roles. Oppenheimer's legacy endures in his scientific contributions and his reflections on the moral responsibilities of scientists.