March 10

Born in 1604 in Germany, Glauber studied pharmacy and became an influential alchemist. He is best known for discovering sodium sulfate, known as Glauber's salt, and promoting its use as a purgative. Glauber authored prolific works on chemical processes, distillation, and the preparation of acids and salts. He established chemical manufactories in Amsterdam and explored industrial applications of his discoveries. His writings bridged medieval alchemy and emerging scientific chemistry, influencing later chemists. Glauber's contributions helped lay the groundwork for systematic chemical experimentation.

Born in 1628, Malpighi pioneered the use of the microscope in medicine and biology. He discovered capillaries, bridging the gap between arteries and veins, confirming William Harvey's theories. Malpighi identified the Malpighian bodies in the kidney and spleen and studied insect anatomy. As professor at the University of Pisa and later Naples, he trained a generation of naturalists. His publications on plant and animal tissues laid the foundations for modern histology. Malpighi's work profoundly advanced understanding of human physiology and comparative anatomy.

Born in 1709, Steller joined Vitus Bering's Kamchatka expedition as a botanist and zoologist. He explored the Aleutian Islands and Alaska, recording flora, fauna, and indigenous cultures. Steller discovered several new species, including Steller's sea cow and Steller's jay. His detailed observations laid foundations for ecology and natural history in the North Pacific. Despite suffering from scurvy and harsh conditions, he produced extensive journals and scientific accounts. Steller's pioneering work earned him recognition as a key figure in early exploration and natural science.

William Etty was born in York, England, in 1787 and trained at the Royal Academy Schools in London. A disciple of Sir Thomas Lawrence, he became known for his elaborate history paintings featuring nude figures drawn from classical mythology. His skillful use of color and attention to anatomical detail distinguished his work, though his frequent depiction of nudity sparked controversy. Etty was elected Royal Academician in 1828 and later served as a professor at the Academy, influencing a generation of artists. He also campaigned for the preservation of Britain's ancient monuments and advocated for higher standards in art education. Etty's legacy lies in his pioneering approach to figure painting and his contributions to the British art world. He died in London in 1849.

Evelyn Abbott was an English classical scholar whose work advanced the understanding of ancient Greek history and philosophy. He produced influential translations and commentaries on Greek texts, making them accessible to both academic and general audiences. Abbott's scholarship shed light on the social and religious practices of classical civilization. He held academic positions at Oxford and contributed to major organizations in classical studies. His publications remain valuable resources for students of antiquity.

Born in 1870 in Russia and became a leading Marxist scholar. In 1919 he founded and directed the Marx-Engels Institute in Moscow. He produced critical editions of Marx and Engels works that remain influential. Riazanov was also active in Bolshevik politics during the Revolution. He faced political persecution and was arrested in 1931. He died in prison in 1938, remembered as a pioneering bibliographer and historian of socialism.

Val Logsdon Fitch was born in 1923 in Merriman, Nebraska, and pursued a career in physics that led to groundbreaking discoveries. In 1964, alongside James Cronin, he experimentally confirmed the violation of CP symmetry in neutral K mesons, a finding that reshaped the understanding of particle physics and the fundamental laws of nature. This achievement earned them the Nobel Prize in Physics in 1980. Fitch held academic positions at Cornell University and Princeton University, mentoring countless students and contributing to nuclear and particle physics research. He published extensively and served on scientific advisory panels, influencing policy and research funding for decades. Fitch passed away in 2015, leaving behind a legacy as a pioneer in experimental physics.

Asghar Ali Engineer was a prominent Indian thinker and reformer known for his efforts to promote communal harmony. He founded the Centre for Study of Society and Secularism and authored numerous books on Islam, secularism, and social justice. As a leader of the Progressive Dawoodi Bohra movement, he campaigned for reforms within the Shia community. He worked tirelessly to combat communal violence and foster understanding between religious groups. Engineer’s writings blended scholarly research with passionate advocacy for human rights. He served as an advisor to various government committees on minority affairs. Despite facing threats and opposition, he remained committed to his vision of a pluralistic India. His legacy continues to inspire activists and scholars around the world.

Peter Berresford Ellis is a leading scholar of Celtic history and literature, authoring over 60 books. He has written extensively on the ancient Celts, medieval Irish history, and Welsh mythology. Ellis served as editor for several academic journals and contributed to major reference works on Celtic culture. His accessible writing style has brought scholarly research to wider audiences around the world. In recognition of his work, he was appointed Fellow of the Royal Historical Society. Ellis’s lectures and articles have influenced both academic and popular perceptions of Celtic heritage. Beyond history, he has penned historical novels and translations that celebrate Celtic legends. His lifelong dedication has solidified his reputation as one of the premier voices in Celtic studies.

Odile Buisson is a French gynecologist renowned for her pioneering work in women’s sexual health. She has conducted extensive research into female sexual function and pleasure, challenging traditional taboos. Buisson’s publications have influenced clinical approaches to gynecological care, emphasizing the importance of women's sexual rights. An outspoken advocate, she has participated in international conferences and campaigns to promote sexual education. Her efforts have helped raise awareness and improve medical support for women’s intimate well-being.