August 28

Marcus Zuerius van Boxhorn (1612–1653) made pioneering contributions to comparative linguistics. He suggested in 1647 that several European and Asian languages shared a common origin, anticipating Indo-European studies. He published essays on Greek dialects and the grammar of Frisian and Dutch. His proposals challenged established views and inspired later linguists such as Sir William Jones. A professor at the University of Amsterdam, he taught classical languages and rhetoric. He died in 1653, remembered as a forefather of modern language-family research.

Born in Gray, France, Cournot graduated from École Polytechnique before embarking on an academic career. In 1838, he published Researches into the Mathematical Principles of the Theory of Wealth, pioneering economic modeling. He introduced concepts like reaction functions in duopoly that prefigured modern game theory. Cournot also made significant contributions to probability theory and the philosophy of science. His interdisciplinary work bridged economics, mathematics, and social thought, influencing generations of scholars.

Born in 1853, Shukhov graduated from the Imperial Moscow Technical School. He invented the hyperboloid tower design, using efficient lattice structures. His notable works include the Shukhov Tower in Moscow and the Adziogol Lighthouse. He founded one of Russia’s first engineering firms and developed methods in oil refining and desalination. His designs combined aesthetic grace with structural innovation, influencing modern architecture. He was awarded the Lenin Prize posthumously for his contributions to engineering.

Born in 1878 in New Hampshire, Whipple graduated from Yale and Johns Hopkins School of Medicine. He conducted pioneering experiments on anemia and the role of liver in red blood cell regeneration. In 1934, he received the Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine alongside George Minot and William Murphy. Whipple’s research laid the foundation for effective treatment of pernicious anemia using liver extract. He served on the faculty at the University of Rochester and trained generations of physicians. His legacy endures in hematology and clinical therapy until his death in 1976.

Bruno Bettelheim was an Austrian-born American psychologist who specialized in child development and psychoanalysis. He directed the Orthogenic School at the University of Chicago, focusing on emotionally disturbed children. Bettelheim authored numerous books, including the influential "The Uses of Enchantment," exploring the psychological significance of fairy tales. He pioneered the application of Freudian and attachment theories to education and therapy. His work shaped modern understanding of autism and parent-child relationships. Bettelheim's contributions sparked both acclaim and controversy, leaving a lasting impact on clinical psychology and pedagogy.

Secondo Campini was an Italian engineer who played a key role in the early development of jet propulsion. In the 1930s, he designed the Campini-Caproni motorjet, one of the first aircraft propelled by a jet engine. Campini later emigrated to the United States, where he worked on advanced aerospace projects with major American firms. His innovations laid groundwork for modern turbojet and turbofan engines. Throughout his career, he combined theoretical research with practical engineering to push the boundaries of aviation technology.

Roger Tory Peterson pioneered modern birdwatching with the publication of his groundbreaking field guides. His 1934 book "A Field Guide to the Birds" introduced a revolutionary identification system using illustrations and concise descriptions. Peterson's work popularized birding as an accessible pastime and inspired generations of naturalists. He was also an environmentalist, promoting conservation through the Audubon Society and World Wildlife Fund. Throughout his career, he produced numerous books, paintings, and lectures, cementing his reputation as the father of modern ornithology.

Tjalling Koopmans was a mathematician and economist who shared the 1975 Nobel Prize in Economic Sciences with Leonid Kantorovich. He made foundational contributions to activity analysis, optimization theory, and the study of resource allocation. Koopmans developed models that quantify the efficient use of resources in production processes, influencing both economic theory and practical decision-making. After emigrating to the United States, he served as a professor at Yale University and later at the Cowles Commission. His rigorous analytical methods and interdisciplinary approach left a profound mark on economics and operations research.

C. Wright Mills advanced the concept of the sociological imagination, linking personal experience to broader social structures. His landmark book 'The Power Elite' critiqued the concentration of political, military, and economic power in society. Mills earned his PhD from the University of Wisconsin and taught at Columbia University. Other notable works include 'White Collar' and 'The Causes of World War Three.' He championed a public sociology that engaged with contemporary issues and critiqued academic detachment. Mills’s writings continue to influence scholars in sociology, political science, and cultural studies.

Sir Godfrey Hounsfield was an English electrical engineer whose pioneering work led to the development of computed tomography (CT) scanning. In collaboration with Allan Cormack, he shared the 1979 Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine. His invention revolutionized medical imaging by providing detailed cross-sectional views of the human body. The Hounsfield scale, used to quantify radiodensity in CT images, bears his name. His work has saved countless lives through early detection and diagnosis of diseases. Knighted in 1981, Hounsfield's legacy continues in every CT scan performed worldwide.

John Herbert Chapman was a pioneering Canadian physicist and engineer instrumental in developing satellite communication systems. He worked at Canada's Defence Research Board on rocket and atmospheric research. Chapman later became the Scientific Director of the Canadian Space Agency, guiding the nation's early satellite initiatives. He contributed to the design of the Alouette satellites and promoted Canadian space science on the global stage. Chapman tragically died in a plane crash in 1979 while traveling to space research meetings. His vision laid the groundwork for Canada's leadership in space technology and telecommunications.

Roger Williams was born in 1931 in England and became a leading figure in hepatology. He earned his medical degree at the University of Cambridge and completed his training at King's College Hospital. Williams founded the Institute of Hepatology in London and served as its director, advancing the study of liver regeneration and transplantation. His work led to new treatments for hepatitis and cirrhosis and influenced clinical practice worldwide. He published over 700 research papers and several textbooks on liver disease. He received numerous awards, including the Lasker Award for Clinical Medical Research. He passed away in 2020 at the age of 89.