July 17

Maupertuis was one of the first to propose the principle of least action, laying foundations for classical mechanics. He led the famous French Geodesic Mission to Lapland, helping to measure the shape of the Earth. His multidisciplinary studies spanned mathematics, physics, biology, and metaphysics. Maupertuis engaged in intellectual debates with Leibniz and Euler, influencing the development of modern science. He served as president of the Berlin Academy of Sciences under Frederick the Great. He wrote numerous scientific papers and philosophical essays, shaping Enlightenment thought. He died in 1759, leaving a lasting legacy in the natural sciences.

Born in 1839 in Sherwood, Michigan, Ephraim Shay trained as a mechanical engineer and focused on industrial innovation. He patented the Shay locomotive in 1881, introducing a geared drive system that allowed trains to handle steep grades and sharp curves in logging and mining operations. Shay’s company manufactured hundreds of these locomotives, which were used worldwide in remote and rugged environments. His design significantly improved the efficiency and safety of industrial railroads. Shay’s inventive work laid the foundation for modern locomotive engineering, and his locomotives remained in use well into the 20th century.

Georges Lemaître (1894–1966) was a Belgian Catholic priest and physicist who first proposed the concept of an expanding universe. In 1927, he developed what would later be called the Big Bang theory, suggesting the universe began from a "primeval atom." His 1929 prediction of galactic expansion preceded observational confirmation by Edwin Hubble. Lemaître's work laid the foundation for modern cosmology and reshaped scientific understanding of the universe's origins. He served as Professor of Physics at the Catholic University of Leuven and was honored by institutions worldwide. Lemaître is celebrated as a pioneer who bridged religion and science in exploring cosmic beginnings.

Born in 1902 in Rockdale, Sydney, Australia. Studied economics and social sciences, which influenced her narrative style. Published her first novel, Seven Poor Men of Sydney, in 1934. Gained international recognition with The Man Who Loved Children (1940), praised for its psychological depth. Lived in Europe and the United States, teaching and writing essays on literature. Known for her incisive satirical insights into family dynamics and society. Considered one of Australia’s greatest twentieth-century novelists, her work continues to be studied.

Born in 1910 in Hurley, Wisconsin. Earned a Ph.D. in biochemistry and worked at the U.S. Army Biological Warfare Laboratories. Contributed to research on anthrax and other pathogens during WWII and the early Cold War. Involved in the CIA’s MKUltra program, where he was covertly dosed with LSD. Died under mysterious circumstances in 1953 after a fall from a New York hotel window. His death sparked investigations and debates over government experimentation ethics. Remembered as a central figure in the history of Cold War biological research and covert operations.

Born in 1911 in Berlin, Germany; emigrated to Canada in 1937. Completed medical training and specialized in psychiatry at McGill University. In 1953, became the first psychiatrist in North America to administer chlorpromazine to patients. His work launched the modern era of psychopharmacology, transforming schizophrenia treatment. Published influential research on the effects and clinical use of antipsychotic drugs. Served as a professor and mentor, shaping generations of psychiatrists. Remembered for his groundbreaking contributions to mental health treatment and research.

Eleanor Hadley was an influential American economist whose expertise shaped U.S. policy toward Japan after World War II. As an analyst with the U.S. Department of the Treasury and later the State Department, she advised on trade reparations and economic reforms during the Allied occupation. Hadley’s research emphasized the importance of rebuilding Japan’s industrial base for long-term stability in Asia. She went on to teach and publish extensively on international economic policy and served as a consultant for government agencies. Her work laid the foundation for modern U.S.-Japan economic relations.

Gordon Gould (1920–2005) was an American physicist and inventor who played a pivotal role in the creation of the laser. He first proposed the concept in the early 1950s and coined the acronym LASER (Light Amplification by Stimulated Emission of Radiation). After years of legal battles over patent rights, Gould’s contributions were formally recognized, and he secured patents that later generated substantial royalties. Beyond the laser, he conducted research in optics and military defense technologies. Gould’s persistence in defending his inventions made him a notable figure in patent history and the physics community.

Jeanne Block was a pioneering figure in 20th-century psychology, specializing in personality assessment and developmental studies. She conducted influential research on mother-infant attachment and the development of personality across the lifespan, shaping modern theories of individual differences. Block served as a professor at the University of California, mentoring future generations of psychologists and publishing extensively in top journals. Her methodological innovations advanced longitudinal research designs, and she was celebrated for her rigorous empirical approach. Today, her work continues to inform research in developmental and personality psychology.

Sergei K. Godunov made foundational contributions to computational fluid dynamics with the development of the Godunov scheme for solving hyperbolic partial differential equations. His work provided robust, conservative numerical methods used in simulations of shock waves and complex fluid flows. Godunov published extensively on mathematical theory and computational algorithms, influencing both academic research and practical engineering. He held academic positions at leading Russian institutions, mentoring students and fostering mathematical innovation. His legacy endures in the widespread application of his methods in science and engineering worldwide.

Angela Merkel is a German chemist and politician who served as Chancellor of Germany from 2005 to 2021. She holds a doctorate in physical chemistry and worked as a research scientist before entering politics. Merkel became leader of the Christian Democratic Union (CDU) in 2000 and led it to electoral victories. As Chancellor, she guided Germany through the 2008 financial crisis and the Eurozone debt crisis. She is known for her pragmatic leadership style and commitment to European unity. Merkel retired from politics in 2021 and is widely regarded as one of the world's most powerful women.

Paul Stamets is an American mycologist and author renowned for his research on medicinal mushrooms. He holds a bachelor's degree in biology and a Ph.D. in mycology, focusing on fungal biodiversity. Stamets operates Fungi Perfecti, a company dedicated to developing mushroom-based products. He has written several influential books, including 'Mycelium Running' and 'The Mushroom Cultivator'. His work explores the ecological benefits of fungi and their potential in environmental remediation. Stamets is a sought-after speaker, advocating for the use of fungi in medicine, agriculture, and sustainability.