May 01

Born in 1527, Johannes Stadius studied mathematics and astronomy at the University of Leuven and later in Italy. He published the 'Ephemerides novae' in 1554, a set of astronomical tables that improved predictions of planetary motions. Stadius's work blended astrological practice with rigorous mathematical calculations, influencing the likes of Tycho Brahe. He served as court mathematician to the Duke of Mantua and taught at prominent universities. His blending of science and astrology exemplified the scholarly trends of the Renaissance. Stadius died in 1579, leaving a legacy in the development of precision astronomy.

Johann Adam Schall von Bell was a German Jesuit who traveled to China in 1619 as part of the Catholic mission. He became a leading figure in the Chinese imperial court by mastering the Chinese language and engaging in astronomical research. Schall von Bell directed the Imperial Observatory in Beijing and introduced European astronomical techniques and calendar reforms. He played a key role in the reform of the Chinese lunisolar calendar under the Shunzhi Emperor. Despite political rivalries and accusations during his career, he was rehabilitated and continued his scientific work until his death in 1666. His efforts facilitated cultural and scientific exchange between Europe and China.

William Lilly gained fame during the English Civil War through his publication of astrological predictions and almanacs that sold widely. His landmark book 'Christian Astrology', published in 1647, became a foundational text for Western astrology. Lilly also provided political prophecy, making him a controversial figure at the court of Oliver Cromwell. He accurately predicted events such as the Great Fire of London in 1666, enhancing his reputation among contemporaries. Despite facing imprisonment during political turmoil, he continued to publish yearly almanacs until his death. Lilly's works influenced the practice of astrology for centuries after his passing in 1681.

Alexander William Williamson was born in London in 1824 and became a prominent figure in 19th-century chemistry. He introduced the Williamson ether synthesis, a pioneering method to create ethers from alkoxides and alkyl halides. Williamson served as a professor at University College London, influencing generations of chemists through teaching and research. He contributed to the understanding of chemical structure and reactivity in organic compounds. He died in 1904, leaving a lasting impact on the field of organic synthesis.

Johann Jakob Balmer was born in Lausanne in 1825 and became a respected mathematician and physicist. In 1885, he formulated the Balmer series, an empirical law describing the visible spectral lines of hydrogen. His formula paved the way for the development of quantum theory and atomic physics. Balmer served as a teacher and later as an educational administrator in Switzerland. He died in 1898, and his work remains fundamental to spectroscopy and physics.

Emily Stowe was a pioneering Canadian physician and the first woman to practice medicine in Canada after earning her medical degree from the New York Medical College for Women in 1867. Facing barriers in a male-dominated profession, she opened a practice in Toronto and treated patients for decades. Stowe also co-founded the Toronto Women's Literary Club and the Dominion Women's Enfranchisement Association to advance women's education and suffrage. She traveled internationally to lecture on health and feminist issues and inspired generations of women in medicine. Her legacy endures in medical institutions and women's rights organizations across Canada.

Santiago Ramón y Cajal was a Spanish histologist and neuroscientist whose meticulous study of the nervous system earned him the Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine in 1906. Born in 1852 in Petilla de Aragón, Spain, he perfected the Golgi staining technique to reveal the structure of neurons in vivid detail. Ramón y Cajal formulated the neuron doctrine, demonstrating that neurons are discrete cells that communicate via specialized connections. He authored seminal works such as 'Histology of the Nervous System' and mentored a generation of Spanish scientists. His pioneering drawings and theories laid the groundwork for contemporary neuroscience and continue to influence research today.

Born in Menaldum, Netherlands, in 1871, Greijdanus became a leading figure in Reformed theology. He served as a professor at the Free University of Amsterdam and later at the University of Leiden, influencing generations of seminarians. His extensive commentaries on the Epistles and Revelation combined rigorous scholarship with deep spiritual insight. Greijdanus was known for his meticulous historical-critical method and his commitment to orthodox Reformed doctrine. He published numerous theological works that remain references in Dutch theological education. He died in 1948, leaving a legacy of scholarly excellence and pastoral commitment.

Born in 1881, Teilhard de Chardin studied geology and theology, joining the Jesuit order in 1911. He took part in paleontological excavations in China, contributing to the discovery of Peking Man. His writings, including 'Le Phénomène humain,' proposed a vision of evolutionary progress culminating in the Omega Point. Although controversial and often censured by church authorities, his ideas influenced theology, philosophy, and science. Teilhard's work bridged disciplines, inspiring later thinkers to explore the intersection of faith and reason. He died in 1955, leaving a complex legacy that continues to generate discussion across fields.

Lillian Estelle Fisher made groundbreaking contributions to the understanding of Spanish colonization in North and South America through meticulous archival research. Educated at Barnard College and Columbia University, she received her PhD in 1918 with a dissertation on the missionary work of Bartolomé de las Casas. Fisher taught history at Smith College for over three decades, influencing generations of students. Her publications, including The Beginning of Spanish Colonization in America, became standard references in the field. She was among the first women to gain prominence in American academic history before her death in 1988.

Herbert Backe combined academic training in agronomy with a political career in the Nazi Party, rising to the role of Reich Minister of Food and Agriculture in 1942. He was responsible for wartime food policies that prioritized the German military and contributed to severe shortages in occupied territories. Backe played a key role in implementing the Hunger Plan, a strategy that led to mass starvation in the Soviet Union. After Germany’s defeat, he was arrested and indicted for war crimes at the Nuremberg Trials. Facing charges for his involvement in mass murder, he committed suicide in prison in 1947.

Born in Budapest in 1901, Szerb studied philology and literature before becoming a respected professor at the University of Budapest. He authored influential critical studies on European literature, covering French, Italian, and Central European writers. His own novels, such as Journey by Moonlight and The Pendragon Legend, combined playful storytelling with deep reflections on identity and culture. During World War II, he was persecuted for his Jewish heritage and endured captivity in a labor camp. Szerb died in 1945, a tragic end to a brilliant career. Decades later, his work was rediscovered and widely translated, securing his place as one of Hungary's greatest literary figures.