May 14

Peder Horrebow was born in 1679 in Denmark and studied astronomy under the guidance of Ole Rømer at the University of Copenhagen. He succeeded Rømer as royal astronomer and continued important work on determining the solar parallax using observations of Jupiter's satellites. Horrebow published his findings in a landmark treatise that improved the precision of astronomical measurements. He also contributed to mathematical methods in spherical trigonometry and instrument design. His work laid groundwork for future astronomers to refine planetary distance measurements. Horrebow remained active in scientific circles until his death in 1764.

William Emerson (1701–1782) was an influential English mathematician and academic. He studied at Trinity College, Cambridge, where he later became a professor of mathematics. Emerson made notable advances in calculus and analytical methods during the Enlightenment. His textbooks, such as 'Elements of Mathematics', were widely used to teach students across Europe. He was known for his clear exposition and dedication to mathematical education.

Timothy Dwight IV (1752–1817) was an American Congregationalist minister, theologian, and academic leader. He graduated from Yale College and became its eighth president in 1795, guiding its post-Revolution recovery. Dwight played a key role in the Second Great Awakening, advocating for religious renewal and moral education. He authored sermons and essays that influenced Protestant thought and shaped early American theology. Under his leadership, Yale expanded its curriculum and improved its facilities, solidifying its reputation. His legacy persists through the Dwight family tradition at Yale and his impact on American religious life.

Albrecht Thaer (1752–1828) was a pioneering German agronomist and author. He applied scientific principles to agriculture, blending chemistry and natural history. Thaer's 'Principles of Agriculture' established agronomy as a formal discipline. He founded Germany's first agricultural school at Möglin, training future generations of farmers. Thaer promoted crop rotation, soil analysis, and sustainable practices ahead of his time. His work influenced agricultural reforms across Europe and remains foundational to modern farming.

Friedrich Ludwig Georg von Raumer (1781–1873) was a German historian and academic specializing in medieval and modern German history. He held professorships at the University of Münster and later at the University of Berlin. Von Raumer's research on the Hohenstaufen dynasty and his comprehensive histories were widely praised for their scholarly rigor. He was also an early advocate of comparative history and published travel writings about the United States that influenced German perceptions of America. His work helped establish national history as a distinct academic discipline in 19th-century Germany.

Antonio Annetto Caruana (1830–1905) was a Maltese archaeologist, museum curator, and author. He led the first systematic excavations of Malta's megalithic temples and prehistoric sites, uncovering artifacts that reshaped understanding of the island's early history. As curator of the Malta Public Museum, he organized and catalogued important archaeological collections, laying foundations for modern Maltese heritage preservation. Caruana also wrote extensively on folklore and regional history, producing works that blended scholarly research with engaging storytelling. His efforts greatly increased public awareness of Malta's rich cultural legacy.

Rudolf Otto Sigismund Lipschitz (1832–1903) was a German mathematician whose work laid foundational principles in mathematical analysis and differential equations. He introduced the Lipschitz condition, a key criterion ensuring the uniqueness of solutions to ordinary differential equations. Lipschitz held professorships at the Polytechnic School in Karlsruhe and the University of Bonn, influencing generations of students. He also contributed to algebra, number theory, and topology, publishing textbooks that became standard references. His theoretical advances continue to underpin modern research in analysis and applied mathematics.

John Charles Fields (1863–1932) was a Canadian mathematician and professor who made significant contributions to algebraic functions and analysis. He taught at the University of Toronto and later at Johns Hopkins University, authoring influential research papers in complex analysis and number theory. In 1924, Fields proposed the creation of an international award to recognize outstanding mathematical achievement, leading to the establishment of the Fields Medal in 1936. He organized the 1924 International Congress of Mathematicians in Toronto, fostering collaboration among mathematicians worldwide. Fields' legacy endures through the medal that bears his name, which remains one of the most prestigious awards in the scientific community.

Born in Kolberg, Hirschfeld qualified as a medical doctor and began researching human sexuality. He founded the Scientific-Humanitarian Committee in 1897, the first advocacy group for homosexual and transgender rights. In 1919 he established the Institute of Sex Research, which conducted groundbreaking studies on gender and sexuality. Hirschfeld wrote extensively and campaigned for legal reforms, including the repeal of homosexual age-of-consent laws. His institute was ransacked by the Nazis in 1933, forcing him into exile and marking a tragic setback for early sexual science.

Born in 1888, Archie Alexander blended his passion for mathematics with practical engineering work. He contributed to the development of innovative solutions in structural and civil engineering. Alexander's interdisciplinary approach helped bridge theoretical concepts with real-world applications. His career spanned several decades, during which he earned respect in both academic and professional circles. He passed away in 1958, remembered for his pioneering contributions to engineering.

Born in 1897, Ed Ricketts conducted groundbreaking field research along the Pacific coast. He authored the influential book "Between Pacific Tides," which introduced an ecological approach to marine biology. Ricketts emphasized the interconnectedness of species and their environments, pioneering modern ecological thinking. His Monterey laboratory became a gathering place for scientists and writers, including John Steinbeck. Ricketts' collaborative spirit bridged science and literature, leaving a lasting impact on both fields. He died in 1948, remembered as a visionary in marine ecology.

Born in 1899, Charlotte Auerbach studied zoology in Germany before emigrating to the UK. At the University of Edinburgh, she conducted experiments that identified the mutagenic effects of mustard gas on fruit flies. Her work, alongside Hermann Muller, helped establish the field of mutagenesis in genetics. Auerbach was a founding member of the Genetics Society and advocated for greater representation of women in science. Her research has had a profound influence on genetic toxicology and understanding of DNA damage. She died in 1994, leaving a legacy of groundbreaking scientific achievement.