May 22

Hirose Tansō (1782–1856) was a leading Japanese neo-Confucian scholar and founder of the Nangaku school of thought. He established a private academy in Kumamoto, attracting students from across Japan with his progressive teaching methods. An accomplished writer, he authored numerous essays and analytical works on ethics and governance. Tansō’s blend of Confucian principles with practical education influenced the intellectual climate of the late Edo period. His legacy continued through his pupils, many of whom became notable educators and reformers in the Meiji era.

William Sturgeon (1783–1850) was a pioneering English scientist whose inventions laid the groundwork for modern electromagnetism. In 1824, he built the first practical electromagnet, capable of lifting weights much greater than its own. He also demonstrated an early form of the electric motor and contributed to the development of telegraphy. A demonstrator at the Royal Institution, Sturgeon co-founded the London Electrical Society in 1837 to promote electrical research. His work established key principles that would drive the technological advances of the Industrial Revolution.

Born in Berlin in 1828, von Graefe studied medicine under leading surgeons in Paris and Berlin. He introduced the Graefe knife for cataract extraction and advanced surgical treatments for glaucoma. In 1857, he co-founded the German Ophthalmological Society, fostering research and collaboration among eye specialists. His landmark publications, including Beiträge zur Pathologie und Therapie der Augenkrankheiten, became essential references in ophthalmology. Von Graefe's work laid the groundwork for modern ophthalmic diagnostics and surgery. He died in 1870, leaving a lasting impact on the field of eye medicine.

Born in Hull in 1831, Carter studied medicine at the University of London and St. George's Hospital. He collaborated with Henry Gray to produce the detailed anatomical illustrations for Gray's Anatomy, first published in 1858. Carter's precise and clear drawings set a new standard for medical textbooks and education. He later served as a surgeon and professor in India, contributing to medical practice and training there. His work in anatomy and surgery influenced generations of physicians and artists alike. Carter died in 1897, remembered as a key figure in medical illustration and education.

He studied under Max Weber and Karl Mannheim, developing a framework for social critique. In 1923, he co-founded the Institute for Social Research, which later became known as the Frankfurt School. Pollock's research explored the intersections of economics, society, and authoritarianism. He analyzed the rise of fascism and advocated for democratic socialism in his writings. After emigrating during the Nazi era, he returned to Germany post-World War II to revive the Institute. His work helped shape modern critical theory and continues to influence social philosophy.

Born in 1904, Uno Lamm pioneered the development of high-voltage direct current (HVDC) power transmission. Working at ASEA, he led research into mercury-arc valves and converters that made long-distance HVDC feasible. His innovations enabled efficient transmission from remote generation sites to urban centers. Lamm authored seminal textbooks on power systems and influenced generations of electrical engineers. His work laid the groundwork for modern HVDC projects around the world. He passed away in 1989, revered as a visionary in electrical engineering.

Born in 1905, Bodo von Borries studied physics in Germany and joined research on electron optics. In collaboration with Ernst Ruska, he helped build prototypes that led to the first practical electron microscope in the 1930s. Their invention allowed scientists to observe structures at nanometer scale, revolutionizing biology and materials science. Von Borries held academic positions where he continued to refine electron microscopy techniques. His contributions opened new frontiers in scientific research and medical diagnostics. He died in 1956, leaving a legacy of innovation in microscopy.

Herbert C. Brown (1912–2004) was a chemist whose groundbreaking research on organoboranes revolutionized synthetic chemistry. Born in London and raised in the United States, he became a naturalized citizen and pursued a distinguished academic career. In 1979, Brown shared the Nobel Prize in Chemistry for developing hydroboration reactions, which are widely used in pharmaceuticals and organic synthesis. He published over 400 scientific papers and mentored numerous students. Brown’s discoveries continue to influence modern chemical research and industrial processes.

Max Kohnstamm (1914–2010) was a historian and statesman instrumental in post-war European reconciliation and integration. A descendant of a prominent banking family, he co-founded the European Payments Union and served as vice president of the European Coal and Steel Community. Kohnstamm’s scholarly background informed his diplomatic efforts, promoting collaboration among former adversaries. He taught at Leiden University and wrote extensively on European unity. His vision helped lay the foundation for today’s European Union, making him a key figure in modern European history.

Born in Austria in 1920 and later emigrated to the United States. Served as a professor of astronomy and geophysics at Cornell University. Early proponent of the steady-state theory of the universe. Made significant contributions to the study of pulsars and quasars. Proposed the controversial deep hot biosphere theory on microbial life beneath Earth's surface. Consulted for NASA on planetary exploration missions. Left a profound impact on theoretical astrophysics.

Born in 1921, Hammond built a distinguished career in physical organic chemistry. Served on the faculty of institutions including UC Berkeley and the University of Wisconsin. Introduced the Hammond postulate linking reaction rates to the structure of transition states. His work provided crucial insights into reaction mechanisms and kinetics. Authored influential papers and textbooks that shaped modern chemistry education. Received numerous awards for his contributions to chemical research. Remembered as a pioneer in the study of organic reaction dynamics.

Born in Budapest in 1927 before emigrating to the United States. Served as a professor of chemistry at the University of Southern California. Received the 1994 Nobel Prize in Chemistry for his research on carbocations. Pioneered new methods to stabilize highly reactive chemical intermediates. Published numerous influential papers and mentored generations of scientists. Founded research institutes dedicated to advancing organic chemistry. Celebrated as one of the foremost chemists of the 20th century.