August 25

Pliny the Elder (AD 23 – AD 79) was a Roman author and natural philosopher. He served as a naval and army commander under emperors Vespasian and Titus. His encyclopedic work Natural History compiled knowledge on art, archaeology, astronomy, and zoology. Pliny traveled extensively in the Roman Empire to gather firsthand information for his writings. He died during the eruption of Mount Vesuvius while attempting to rescue friends by ship. His work influenced natural science scholarship for centuries after his death.

James Watt (1736–1819) was a pioneering Scottish engineer and instrument maker whose enhancements to the steam engine revolutionized industry. His introduction of the separate condenser improved efficiency and enabled steam power to drive machinery in factories, mines, and transportation. Watt’s innovations led to the founding of Boulton & Watt, one of the first engineering firms, and catalyzed technological progress across Europe. He also made advancements in precision engineering through the development of scientific instruments such as the copying machine and rotary engine. Watt’s work laid the foundation for modern mechanical engineering and earned him lasting recognition, including the unit of power, the watt, named in his honor.

William Herschel (1738–1822) was a German-born astronomer and composer best known for discovering the planet Uranus in 1781. Emigrating to England, he built some of the largest telescopes of his time and conducted systematic surveys of the night sky, cataloguing thousands of stars, nebulae, and double stars. Herschel’s work on infrared radiation, including the discovery of infrared light beyond the red end of the visible spectrum, inaugurated a new field of physics. As a musician, he composed symphonies and organ music, reflecting his dual passions for science and the arts. His contributions to observational astronomy and instrument design established him as a foundational figure in the field. Herschel’s legacy endures through his pioneering methods and his family’s continued astronomical achievements.

Michael Faraday (1791–1867) was a pioneering English physicist and chemist whose experiments laid the groundwork for electric motor and generator technology. He discovered electromagnetic induction, diamagnetism, and the laws of electrolysis, establishing key principles of electromagnetism and electrochemistry. Faraday’s invention of the Faraday cage and his work on catalysts influenced both theoretical science and industrial processes. Despite minimal formal education, he became the first Fullerian Professor of Chemistry at the Royal Institution and delivered influential Christmas Lectures that popularized science. Faraday’s emphasis on experimental rigor and his imaginative insights have made him one of the most influential scientists in history. His name endures in units such as the farad and in fundamental scientific concepts.

Henri Becquerel (1852–1908) was a French physicist who discovered the phenomenon of spontaneous radioactivity while investigating phosphorescent materials. Born into a family with a legacy of scientific achievement, he conducted experiments on uranium salts that led to the accidental identification of radioactive emissions in 1896. His work challenged existing theories of atomic structure and opened a new field of nuclear physics. In recognition of his discovery, Becquerel was awarded the 1903 Nobel Prize in Physics alongside Marie and Pierre Curie. He later studied the radiation emitted by other elements and its effects, contributing foundational knowledge to the study of radioactivity. Becquerel’s research paved the way for advances in medical imaging, cancer treatment, and our understanding of atomic science.

Alfred Charles Kinsey (1894–1956) was an American biologist and pioneer of sexology. He founded the Institute for Sex Research at Indiana University in 1947. Kinsey authored the influential 'Sexual Behavior in the Human Male' and 'Female' reports. His research challenged social norms and sparked nationwide debate. Kinsey's work laid the foundation for modern sexology and sexual health studies. Despite controversy, his contributions remain central to understanding human sexuality.

Born in 1886, Naitō graduated from the University of Tokyo and specialized in structural and earthquake-resistant engineering. He led the design and construction of the 333-meter Tokyo Tower, completed in 1958 as a symbol of Japan's post-war recovery. Naitō's research on foundations and seismic damping contributed to modern building codes and safety standards. Throughout his career, he published numerous technical papers and mentored future generations of engineers. His legacy endures in Japan's skyline and its reputation for earthquake resilience.

Károly Kós was born in 1883 and studied architecture at the Budapest Technical University. Deeply inspired by Art Nouveau and local folk traditions, he developed a distinctive style that blended vernacular motifs with modern design. He designed notable buildings in Transylvania, including churches and community centers that celebrated regional culture. As an ethnologist, he documented rural folklore and crafts, publishing influential works on Transylvanian heritage. Politically, Kós co-founded the Hungarian Civic Party in Romania in 1921 and advocated for minority rights. His multi-faceted career left a lasting impact on architecture, cultural preservation, and politics in Central Europe.

Peter Glotz was a distinguished academic, author, and key figure in the Social Democratic Party of Germany (SPD). After earning a doctorate in sociology, he taught at universities in Frankfurt and Munich, focusing on political theory and modern society. He served as Federal Minister for Education and Science from 1978 to 1981, promoting research and higher education reforms. Glotz later became a Berlin Senator and a member of the Bundestag, advocating cultural affairs and media policy. His writings and political work left a lasting imprint on German education and social policy.

Benjamin Aaron was a pioneering scholar whose research and teachings shaped modern labor law in the United States. He served as a professor at the University of California, Berkeley, advising governments and labor organizations on collective bargaining and employment policy. Aaron authored several seminal books and articles examining the legal framework of labor relations. He also worked with the National Labor Relations Board, contributing to landmark decisions. His insights continue to guide policymakers and lawyers in the field of labor and employment law.

Neil Armstrong started as a naval aviator, flying combat missions during the Korean War. In 1962, he joined NASA and piloted Gemini 8, executing the first successful docking of two spacecraft in orbit. As commander of Apollo 11 in 1969, he became the first human to step onto the lunar surface. Armstrong's calm demeanor and meticulous approach set the standard for space exploration. After leaving NASA, he taught aerospace engineering at the University of Cincinnati and advocated for aviation. He passed away in 2012, remembered worldwide as an enduring symbol of human achievement.

António Borges served as first deputy governor of the Bank of Portugal before joining Goldman Sachs as a managing director. He led the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development from 1997 to 2003, supporting post-Cold War economic transitions. In 2011, he headed Portugal's financial reform committee during a sovereign debt crisis, implementing critical austerity measures. Borges was respected for his expertise in international banking and economic policy across Europe. He held academic positions and published research on monetary systems and fiscal stability. He died in 2013, remembered for guiding Portugal and Europe through challenging financial landscapes.