May 18

Omar Khayyám was a Persian mathematician, astronomer, and poet of the Seljuk Empire. He made significant advances in solving cubic equations and contributed to calendar reform. Khayyám’s astronomical observations and tables influenced later scholars for centuries. He is best remembered for the 'Rubáiyát,' a collection of quatrain poetry that gained international fame. His interdisciplinary approach bridged scientific rigor with philosophical and mystical themes.

Roger Joseph Boscovich proposed one of the earliest atomic theories in his work 'Theoria Philosophiae Naturalis,' describing matter as points of force. As Director of the Vatican Observatory, he conducted precise geodetic surveys across Europe. His advancements in integral calculus and analytical geometry influenced later scientific thought. Boscovich taught at universities in Italy and France and corresponded with leading scholars of his era. His interdisciplinary achievements laid important foundations for modern physics and geodesy.

John George Children served as Keeper of the Department of Zoology at the British Museum, where he expanded the institution’s collections and research. He conducted pioneering chemical experiments, including studies on iodine and petroleum distillation. As a mineralogist, Children catalogued countless specimens and published detailed papers on their properties. His zoological interests ranged from shellfish to reptiles, contributing valuable insights into species classification. Children’s work helped shape the development of natural history museums and scientific societies in the 19th century.

Wilhelm Hofmeister (1824–1877) laid the foundations for modern plant embryology through meticulous observation and experimentation. He formulated the concept of alternation of generations, demonstrating the life cycle transitions in plants. Hofmeister's investigations into cell division and organization advanced botanical science in the 19th century. His monograph 'Die Entwickelungsgeschichte der Pflanzenzelle' remains a seminal work in plant physiology. Hofmeister's research influenced later scholars and continues to be referenced in evolutionary biology.

Oliver Heaviside (1850–1925) was a self-taught mathematician and physicist whose work revolutionized electrical engineering. He reformulated Maxwell's equations into the vector form used today and introduced the Heaviside step function. His operational calculus enabled practical solutions to complex differential equations in telecommunication. Heaviside predicted the existence of the ionosphere and described its effects on radio wave propagation. Despite limited formal education, his pioneering contributions laid the groundwork for modern electrical theory.

Minakata Kumagusu, born in 1867, was a self-taught scholar whose work spanned botany, mycology, ethnology, and folklore. His meticulous field studies led to the identification of numerous fungal species and a deep understanding of Japan's natural heritage. He amassed one of the largest personal archives of Japanese folklore and folk remedies, preserving traditions that might otherwise have been lost. An advocate for environmental conservation, he fought to protect native forests from government-sponsored drainage projects. Minakata's writings and specimens continue to influence researchers in biology and cultural studies decades after his death in 1941.

Bertrand Russell, born in 1872, was a leading figure in analytic philosophy and made foundational contributions to logic, mathematics, and the philosophy of language. Co-authoring the landmark Principia Mathematica with Alfred North Whitehead, he sought to ground mathematics in logical principles. Russell's theory of descriptions revolutionized analytic philosophy, influencing generations of thinkers. Beyond academia, he was a vocal advocate for pacifism, nuclear disarmament, and social reform, campaigning against British involvement in World War I and nuclear weapons in the Cold War. In 1950, he was awarded the Nobel Prize in Literature for his varied and significant writings. Russell's influence extends across multiple fields, from philosophy to political activism, until his death in 1970.

Born in 1889, Thomas Midgley Jr. made significant contributions to the chemical industry, inventing leaded gasoline and discovering chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs) for refrigeration. His innovations initially seemed revolutionary, improving engine performance and refrigeration safety. However, leaded gasoline led to widespread lead pollution, while CFCs were later linked to ozone layer depletion. Midgley became its own victim when he contracted polio and devised a system of ropes and pulleys, which tragically contributed to his accidental strangulation. He died in 1944, leaving a complex legacy as a brilliant but controversial chemist whose inventions shaped the modern world and raised environmental concerns.

Vincent du Vigneaud was the first scientist to synthesize a polypeptide hormone, earning the Nobel Prize in Chemistry for his work on oxytocin. He conducted pioneering research on sulfur bridges in insulin and other biologically active peptides, revolutionizing peptide chemistry. His academic career included professorships at Johns Hopkins University and Cornell University, where he trained generations of biochemists. Du Vigneaud authored over 200 scientific papers and remained active in research well into his later years. His methods laid the foundation for modern hormone research and peptide synthesis techniques. He also explored the chemistry of various enzymes and proteins, expanding understanding of biochemical processes. Du Vigneaud's legacy continues to influence endocrinology and pharmaceutical chemistry worldwide.

Pioneering economist whose work transformed our understanding of population and agricultural economics. Her 1965 book 'The Conditions of Agricultural Growth' introduced the concept that agricultural methods intensify with population pressure. Later, she explored the role of women in economic development, influencing gender studies and policy. She served as a consultant to international organizations including the United Nations and the World Bank. Awarded the Erik Kempe Award and honored with honorary doctorates for her contributions. Her ideas remain foundational in development economics and feminist economics.

Anthony Storr was born in 1920 in England. He trained as a psychiatrist and became a leading psychoanalyst with an interest in human creativity. Storr authored influential books such as 'Solitude: A Return to the Self' and 'Music and the Mind.' His work often explored the psychological roots of artistic and intellectual achievement. He served as a consultant psychiatrist at various hospitals and lectured internationally. Storr emphasized the value of solitude for personal growth and creativity. He passed away in 2001, leaving a legacy of thought-provoking psychological literature.

Born in 1921, Michael Anthony Epstein studied medicine at St Bartholomew’s Hospital in London. Alongside Yvonne Barr and Bert Achong, he co-identified the Epstein–Barr virus in 1964, linking it to certain cancers. This groundbreaking discovery provided key insights into viral oncology. Epstein held academic positions at the University of Bristol and contributed to research on tumor viruses and leukemia. He was instrumental in advancing virology and pathology over several decades. Epstein served as deputy director of the Imperial Cancer Research Fund. He was honored with numerous awards for his contributions to medical science. Epstein passed away in 2024, leaving a legacy in viral pathology.