May 09

Born in 1778 in Saint-Léonard-de-Noblat, Gay-Lussac made pioneering contributions to our understanding of gases. He established Gay-Lussac's law, demonstrating that the pressure of a gas increases linearly with temperature at constant volume. He also discovered the volume combining law, showing how gases combine in simple ratios. Collaborating with Alexander von Humboldt, he explored the Earth's atmosphere and conducted early balloon ascents. Gay-Lussac isolated boron and developed techniques for analyzing alcohol content. His work laid the groundwork for modern physical chemistry and chemical engineering.

Ernst von Lasaulx was born in 1805 and became renowned for his studies in classical philology, specializing in ancient Greek literature. He held academic positions at universities in Munich and Würzburg, contributing important editions of classical texts. Politically active, Lasaulx served in the Bavarian parliament and later as Minister of Culture, where he championed educational reforms. His dual roles often brought him into conflict with conservative forces, leading to periods of exile. A prolific writer, he bridged scholarly research with public service. Lasaulx's work left a lasting mark on both German classical scholarship and the modernization of Bavarian education.

Born in 1844, Oscar von Gebhardt became a leading scholar in early Christian studies and patristics. He held professorships at the University of Leipzig and focused on editing and publishing ancient Christian texts. Gebhardt co-founded the critical edition series 'Texte und Untersuchungen zur Geschichte der altchristlichen Literatur'. His meticulous work laid the foundation for modern New Testament textual criticism. He was a member of several scholarly societies and influenced generations of theologians and historians. Gebhardt's legacy endures through the ongoing use of his critical editions in academic research.

Albert Abraham Michelson (1852–1931) was a pioneering physicist whose precise experiments established the constant speed of light, revolutionizing modern physics. Born in Prussia and raised in the United States, he became the first American to receive a Nobel Prize, winning in Physics in 1907. His most famous work, the Michelson-Morley experiment, provided critical evidence leading to the development of Einstein's theory of relativity. Michelson held professorships at the University of Chicago and the U.S. Naval Academy, mentoring generations of scientists. He invented the interferometer, an instrument that remains fundamental in fields from astronomy to quantum mechanics. His career combined scholarly rigor with inventive genius, leaving a legacy that continues to shape our understanding of light and space-time.

Ernst Bresslau (1877–1935) was a German zoologist known for his pioneering research in embryology, anatomy, and taxonomy. He conducted extensive studies on amphibian development, shedding light on the growth processes of frogs and salamanders. Bresslau held professorships at the University of Breslau and later at the University of Jena, where he led leading zoological laboratories. His meticulous classification work helped refine the scientific understanding of invertebrates and vertebrates alike. He published numerous influential papers and monographs, contributing foundational knowledge to the fields of comparative anatomy and developmental biology. Bresslau's dedication to both teaching and research left a lasting impact on the zoological community in Germany and beyond.

Esteban Terradas i Illa (1883–1950) was a distinguished Spanish mathematician, engineer, and physicist. He held professorships at several universities, championing interdisciplinary research in mechanics and mathematics. Terradas contributed to the development of aeronautical engineering in Spain, collaborating on early aircraft design. He authored influential texts on applied mathematics and mechanics that became standard references for students and engineers. Active in academic administration, he helped establish research institutions and promoted scientific collaboration. His work bridged theoretical science and practical engineering, laying groundwork for Spain's modern technological advancements.

Born in 1938, Cohler earned his doctorate in clinical psychology and became a leading figure in developmental and narrative psychology. His research examined how individuals construct personal stories and identities across the lifespan. As a psychoanalyst and professor, he taught at the University of Chicago and Northwestern University, mentoring generations of scholars. Cohler authored numerous articles on resilience, gender, and sexuality. His interdisciplinary approach bridged psychology, sociology, and literary studies, leaving a lasting impact on the understanding of human development.