May 19

Arthur Aikin was a pioneering English chemist and mineralogist in the late 18th and early 19th centuries. He conducted influential research on the classification and properties of minerals. Aikin served as the first secretary of the Geological Society of London. He authored important treatises on chemistry and contributed to scientific journals of his time. His work laid foundations for modern mineralogy and inspired future geological studies.

John Jacob Abel was professor of pharmacology at Johns Hopkins University and the University of Michigan. He founded the American Society for Biological Chemists and the Journal of Biological Chemistry. Abel was the first to isolate epinephrine (adrenaline) in crystalline form. He made significant contributions to hormonal chemistry and the development of insulin research. His work laid the groundwork for modern pharmacology and therapeutic drug development. Abel’s legacy endures in the institutions and methods he established.

Albert Richardson was an English architect and educator active in the early 20th century. He gained recognition for his design of the Manchester Opera House, a landmark cultural venue in Manchester. Richardson's architectural approach blended classical motifs with functional design principles. Beyond his design work, he dedicated himself to teaching and mentoring aspiring architects. His writings on architectural theory influenced the development of British theatre and public building design. Richardson's legacy endures through his built works and the generations of architects he inspired.

Lothar Rădăceanu was a prominent Romanian intellectual who balanced careers in journalism and linguistics with socialist politics. He co-founded the Social Democratic Party of Romania and served in several government roles after World War II. As a linguist, he published studies on Romanian dialects and contributed to academic journals. His journalism critically examined social issues, advocating for workers' rights and democratic reforms. Rădăceanu's legacy lies in his efforts to merge scholarly research with political activism during tumultuous periods in Romania.

Ruth Ella Moore earned her Ph.D. in bacteriology from Ohio State University in 1933, becoming the first African American woman to achieve this milestone. She conducted groundbreaking research on tuberculosis, blood groups, and typhoid at Howard University. As a professor and department head, she mentored numerous students in microbiology and immunology. Moore's work contributed significantly to public health and highlighted the importance of diversity in STEM fields. Her legacy continues to inspire generations of scientists.

Born in Vienna in 1914, Perutz fled Nazi Austria to study at Cambridge University under Sir Lawrence Bragg. There he pioneered X-ray crystallography techniques to unravel the three-dimensional structures of proteins, starting with hemoglobin. In 1962, his work on globular proteins earned him and John Kendrew the Nobel Prize in Chemistry. Perutz co-founded the MRC Laboratory of Molecular Biology, a hub for groundbreaking research in biochemistry and genetics. A prolific writer and mentor, he guided generations of scientists and authored acclaimed books on science and society. His contributions laid the foundation for modern structural biology and transformed our understanding of life at the molecular level.

Born in Amsterdam in 1918, Pais fled Nazi persecution and joined Paul Dirac’s research group at Cambridge. He made significant contributions to quantum field theory and the study of subatomic particles. In 1950, Pais moved to the Institute for Advanced Study in Princeton, becoming a prominent theoretical physicist. His books ‘Subtle is the Lord…’ and ‘Niels Bohr’s Times’ set new standards in scientific biography and history. Combining rigorous scholarship with narrative flair, he illuminated the lives and works of the 20th century’s great scientists. Pais’s dual legacy bridges physics research and historiography, inspiring both scientists and historians.

Born in Amsterdam in 1920, Tina Strobos studied medicine and specialized in psychiatry. During World War II, she used her home as a safe haven, rescuing over 100 Jewish men, women, and children from Nazi persecution. Working with the Dutch resistance, she forged documents and guided refugees to safety. After the war, she completed her medical training and practiced as a psychiatrist in New York. She lectured on trauma and resilience and wrote about her wartime experiences. Honored as Righteous Among the Nations by Yad Vashem, she continued to advocate for human rights until her death in 2012.

Born in 1921 in Velp, Netherlands, Karel van het Reve studied Slavic languages and became a professor of Russian literature at the University of Amsterdam. He gained recognition for his essays and critical analyses of Soviet censorship and the works of dissidents. A respected translator, he introduced Dutch readers to Russian classics and contemporary voices jailed by the regime. Van het Reve’s sharp wit and eloquent prose made him a leading voice in literary circles. He received the P.C. Hooft Prize for his contributions to Dutch literature. He continued to publish influential works until his death in 1999.

Born in 1926, he made significant contributions to engineering research and academia in the United Kingdom. He served as a professor and held various administrative roles, shaping engineering curricula and mentoring future engineers. His work bridged theoretical principles and practical applications in mechanical engineering. He published numerous papers and collaborated with industry partners to advance engineering practices. He was recognized for his commitment to excellence in teaching and died in 2019.

Born in 1927 in France, he emigrated to the United States and became a professor at Yale University. Lang authored influential textbooks, including 'Algebra' and 'Complex Analysis', which became standards in mathematical education. His research spanned number theory, Diophantine geometry, and arithmetic geometry, contributing to the Langlands program. He was also an outspoken advocate for human rights, campaigning for imprisoned Soviet mathematicians. Lang's clear writing style and rigorous approach made advanced mathematics accessible to students worldwide. He died in 2005, leaving a profound impact on both research and education.

Eugene D. Genovese (1930–2012) was a prominent American historian and social theorist. He specialized in the history of slavery and the antebellum South, offering a Marxist interpretation that sparked debates. His seminal works include "Roll, Jordan, Roll" and "The World the Slaveholders Made". Genovese taught at institutions such as the University of Rochester and received numerous academic honors. His scholarship transformed the study of American slavery and influenced generations of historians.