August 13

Rasmus Bartholin (1625–1698) was a Danish physician, mathematician, and physicist. In 1669, he discovered the double refraction of light in Iceland spar, a phenomenon later key to understanding optics. His observations laid the groundwork for the development of optical science and polarizing materials. Bartholin also published works on anatomy, mathematics, and natural philosophy. He came from a renowned academic family at the University of Copenhagen. His contributions influenced later scientists studying light and crystalline structures.

William Wotton (1666–1727) was an English classical scholar and linguist. He contributed to early comparative philology, comparing Latin, Greek, and other languages. Wotton wrote on theology, history, and natural science, showcasing his wide-ranging intellect. He edited and translated works of classical authors, making them accessible to contemporary readers. His essays influenced debates on language origins and cultural history. Wotton’s scholarship helped lay the foundations for modern linguistic study.

Ångström conducted groundbreaking research on the solar spectrum, measuring the wavelengths of light with unprecedented precision. He co-founded the modern science of spectroscopy, revealing the chemical composition of stars and the Sun. In 1868, he published the first map of the solar spectrum, laying the foundation for astrophysical studies. His studies of terrestrial magnetism and atmospheric phenomena further advanced physical science. Ångström's legacy endures through the ångström unit and his influence on generations of scientists.

Born in 1819, Stokes held the prestigious Lucasian Chair of Mathematics at Cambridge for over four decades. He formulated Stokes' theorem, connecting surface integrals and curve integrals in vector calculus. His work on fluid viscosity and wave theory led to the Navier–Stokes equations, central to fluid mechanics. Stokes also conducted important research in optics, including polarization and scattering of light. Knighted in 1889, his influence persists in mathematics, physics, and engineering to this day.

Originally trained as an engineer, Grove turned to music scholarship after friendships with prominent composers. In 1879, he published the first edition of his comprehensive Dictionary of Music and Musicians, setting a new standard for reference works. Grove's meticulous research provided biographical and analytical entries on composers, styles, and instruments. In 1882, he became the founding director of the Royal College of Music, nurturing future generations of musicians. His legacy endures in the ongoing Grove dictionary editions, an indispensable resource for music scholars worldwide.

Smith was born in England in 1823 and became a respected academic, lecturing at the University of Oxford. He later accepted a professorship at Cornell University, where he taught modern history and political science. After returning to Canada, he wrote editorials for major newspapers, shaping public debate on national and imperial issues. His historical works combined rigorous scholarship with a clear, engaging writing style. Smith's commentary on politics and society left a lasting mark on both British and Canadian intellectual life.

Richard Willstätter (1872–1942) was a German-Swiss chemist awarded the Nobel Prize in Chemistry in 1915 for elucidating the structure of plant pigments. He studied under Adolf von Baeyer and conducted groundbreaking work on chlorophyll and other natural compounds, advancing organic chemistry. As a professor at the University of Munich, he led a prominent laboratory that attracted international students and collaborators. Despite his scientific achievements, Willstätter faced Nazi persecution due to his Jewish heritage, prompting his emigration to Switzerland in 1939. His meticulous research laid the foundation for modern studies in biochemistry and plant physiology.

Born in 1888 in Helensburgh, Scotland, John Logie Baird pioneered mechanical television and demonstrated the first live moving images in 1925. He achieved the first transatlantic television transmission from London to New York in 1928 and later developed an early color television system. Baird also conducted experiments in stereoscopic television, laying groundwork for 3D imaging. His inventive spirit led to over 100 patents and international recognition. Despite technical challenges and skepticism, he continued refining his designs until his death in 1946.

Felix Wankel was born in 1902 in Germany. He studied mechanical engineering and pioneered the development of a rotary engine design. In 1951, he patented the Wankel engine, which uses a triangular rotor instead of pistons. His invention offered smoother operation and a compact form factor for automobiles and aircraft. Wankel collaborated with NSU Motorenwerke to bring his engine to market. Though the engine saw limited commercial success, it remains an important milestone in automotive engineering.

Salvador Luria (1912–1991) was an Italian-American microbiologist whose pioneering work laid the foundations of molecular genetics. Alongside Max Delbrück and Alfred Hershey, he demonstrated that bacterial viruses (bacteriophages) mutate and recombine, earning them the 1969 Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine. Luria’s experiments provided the first clear evidence of genetic variation in viruses, shaping our understanding of molecular evolution and heredity. An academic at MIT for many years, he inspired generations of scientists through teaching and mentorship. He was also a vocal advocate for the responsible use of science in public policy and peacetime applications. His legacy endures in the fields of virology, genetics, and biotechnology.

Grace Bates (1914–1996) was an American mathematician whose research advanced the field of graph theory and combinatorics. After earning her Ph.D., she held academic positions at institutions including the University of Pittsburgh and California State University, Long Beach. Bates published influential papers on graph labeling, coloring, and network structures, helping to formalize key concepts in discrete mathematics. She was also a passionate educator and mentor, encouraging women to pursue careers in mathematics. During her tenure as a department chair, she led curriculum development and fostered an environment of academic excellence. Bates’s work continues to influence contemporary research in combinatorial mathematics.

Sir Frederick Sanger (1918–2013) was an English biochemist who pioneered two groundbreaking methods of sequencing: his early work on insulin sequences and later the Sanger method for DNA. He received his first Nobel Prize in Chemistry in 1958 for determining the amino acid sequence of insulin, and a second in 1980 for contributions to DNA sequencing. Sanger’s techniques revolutionized molecular biology, enabling scientists to decode genetic information with unprecedented accuracy. He spent much of his career at Cambridge University’s Laboratory of Molecular Biology, mentoring future leaders in the field. Knighted in 1980, he remained humble, focused on research rather than accolades. His methods underpin modern genomics and have had a lasting impact on medicine and biotechnology.