March 02

Born in 1453 in Lauingen, Johannes Engel studied medicine at the University of Leipzig and served as a court physician in Germany. He combined medical practice with astronomical observation, publishing almanacs that offered astrological predictions for political leaders and nobles. His works contributed to the development of Renaissance astrology, blending empirical astronomy with traditional celestial interpretation. Engel lectured on anatomy and astronomy, influencing students across Europe with his interdisciplinary approach. He died in 1512, leaving behind texts that were reprinted and studied for decades.

Born in Exeter in 1545, Thomas Bodley served Queen Elizabeth I on diplomatic missions to Europe, including negotiations in Geneva and Rome. After retiring from public service, he turned his attention to the University of Oxford, where he reestablished the university's library in 1598. Bodley donated over a thousand volumes, set up statutes governing its collection, and hired the first librarian. The Bodleian Library became one of Europe's premier research libraries, attracting scholars worldwide. He died in 1613, leaving a legacy of learning that endures as the heart of academic study at Oxford.

William Murray, 1st Earl of Mansfield (1705–1793) was a Scottish lawyer and judge whose tenure as Lord Chief Justice of the King’s Bench profoundly influenced the development of English commercial law. Appointed in 1756, he presided over landmark cases that modernized legal principles governing trade and contracts. His ruling in Somerset v. Stewart challenged the legality of slavery in England and signaled a progressive approach to human rights. Elevated to the peerage as Earl of Mansfield in 1776, he also held key political offices, advising the government on legal matters. Murray’s legal opinions balanced strict analysis with moral considerations, earning both admiration and critique. His legacy endures in the laws and judicial practices he helped to reform.

Grete Hermann (1901–1984) was a German mathematician, philosopher, and early critic of quantum mechanics interpretations. She earned her doctorate at the University of Göttingen with a groundbreaking 1926 dissertation on ring theory. Collaborating with philosopher Leonard Nelson, she wrote on the epistemology of science and the philosophy of physics. In 1935, Hermann identified a critical flaw in John von Neumann’s proof against hidden variables in quantum mechanics, a discovery recognized decades later. She was forced to flee Nazi Germany, contributed to postwar justice and educational reform in the German Democratic Republic, and remained a pioneering voice in philosophy and mathematics.

Edward Uhler Condon was an American physicist who specialized in quantum mechanics and nuclear physics. He worked on the Manhattan Project during World War II and later became the director of the National Bureau of Standards. Condon was a key figure in the development of electron diffraction techniques, confirming de Broglie's hypothesis of wave-particle duality. He served as president of the American Physical Society and advocated for scientific openness during the Cold War. Despite facing political scrutiny during the Red Scare, he defended academic freedom and continued his research until his death in 1974.

Walter Bruch was a pioneering German electrical engineer recognized for creating the PAL (Phase Alternating Line) color television system. Born in Neustadt an der Weinstraße, he joined Telefunken in 1935 and contributed to early radar and television developments. After World War II, he led research efforts that culminated in the introduction of PAL in the early 1960s, a system adopted by many countries worldwide. Bruch held several patents and was awarded numerous honors for his technical achievements. He also lectured extensively on television technology and standards. Bruch's invention helped shape global broadcasting for decades until digital standards emerged.

Frances Spence was among the pioneering team of six women known as the ENIAC programmers during World War II. She helped develop programming techniques for the ENIAC, one of the first electronic digital computers. Spence's work involved configuring machine settings and creating code for ballistic trajectory calculations. After the war, she contributed to computer science education and industry, breaking barriers for women in STEM. Her legacy endures as a trailblazer who demonstrated the vital role of women in early computing.

Murray Rothbard was a prolific writer and economist who championed laissez-faire capitalism. He earned his Ph.D. at Columbia University and taught at various institutions, influencing libertarian thought. Rothbard's works, including "Man, Economy, and State", remain foundational texts in Austrian economics. He also wrote extensively on political history, ethics, and social theory, critiquing government intervention. As a founder of modern anarcho-capitalism, his ideas continue to shape debates on individual liberty.

Roger Walkowiak was born in Amiens, France, in 1927. He began his professional cycling career in 1946, quickly making a name for himself in regional races. His greatest triumph came in the 1956 Tour de France, where he secured overall victory without winning a single stage—a feat that surprised the cycling world. Following his retirement in 1960, Walkowiak studied economics at the University of Nancy and went on to work as an economist for the French government. Remembered as a humble champion, he left a legacy of perseverance and strategic consistency in cycling. Walkowiak passed away in 2017, celebrated for proving that determination can outshine raw stage wins.

Born in 1936, Haroon Ahmed is a leading figure in semiconductor physics. He served as professor of microelectronics at the University of Cambridge. His research advanced understanding of silicon-based devices and thin-film transistor technology. Ahmed co-authored numerous papers on electronic materials and device fabrication. He mentored generations of engineers and fostered international collaborations. He held leadership roles within the IEEE and various academic committees. In recognition of his work, he received multiple awards for research excellence. He continues to influence the field through advisory and emeritus roles.

John Tusa was born in Prague in 1936 and moved to England as a child. He built a distinguished career in broadcasting, joining the BBC in the 1960s. Tusa served as director of the BBC World Service from 1994 to 2000, shaping global news coverage. He later became principal of the Royal College of Music, promoting arts education. He authored several books on international affairs and media ethics. Tusa chaired the London Symphony Orchestra and contributed to cultural institutions. He is a frequent broadcaster and lecturer, known for his incisive interviews. His work bridges journalism, academia, and the performing arts.

Jan Howard Finder was born in 1939 and developed an early passion for science fiction. He wrote novels and short stories published in genre anthologies. As an academic, he researched speculative fiction and fan culture. Finder founded the Science Fiction Oral History Association to preserve fan narratives. He organized and interviewed authors at major conventions, documenting genre history. His scholarly work explored the evolution of fan communities and their cultural impact. He taught courses in English literature focusing on genre writing. Finder passed away in 2013, leaving a rich archive of science fiction scholarship.