September 09

Johann Lorenz von Mosheim was born in 1694 in Saxony and became a leading theologian and historian. Appointed at the emerging University of Göttingen, he wrote 'Institutiones Historiae Ecclesiasticae', a comprehensive work on church history. He applied rigorous source criticism and chronological analysis, laying foundations for modern ecclesiastical historiography. His balanced approach influenced generations of scholars in understanding the development of Christian doctrine and institutions. He remained a respected academic until his death in 1755.

Born in Geneva in 1778, Augustin Pyramus de Candolle studied medicine before turning to botany. He published the multi-volume 'Théorie élémentaire de la botanique', proposing a natural arrangement of plant families. De Candolle introduced important concepts like the distinction between endogenous and exogenous plants and morphological taxonomy. He founded the Geneva botanical garden and mentored the next generation of botanists, including his son Alphonse. His work laid groundwork for later evolutionary studies and remains a cornerstone in botanical science.

Friedrich Traugott Kützing was born in Rendsburg in 1807 and trained as a pharmacist. He conducted extensive research on algae and diatoms, publishing 'Species Algarum' in 1849. Kützing identified numerous new genera and species, laying the foundation for the field of phycology. He held academic positions and contributed to understanding algae’s ecological roles and life cycles. His work influenced both botanical taxonomy and practical applications, such as water quality studies, until his death in 1893.

Hans Spemann was born in 1869 in Germany and studied medicine and zoology before becoming a professor of zoology at the University of Freiburg. He conducted pioneering transplantation experiments on amphibian embryos, demonstrating the concept of the 'organizer' that guides tissue development. His work laid the foundation for the field of developmental biology and morphogenesis. In 1935 he received the Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine for these discoveries. Spemann mentored a generation of researchers and published influential texts on embryology. He died in 1941, leaving a lasting legacy in biological science.

Charles McLean Andrews was a pioneering American historian specializing in colonial American history. He held the position of professor of history at Yale University, where he influenced generations of scholars. Andrews authored the Pulitzer Prize–winning work 'The Colonial Period of American History' which set new standards for scholarly research. He served as editor of the American Historical Review and was known for his meticulous archival work. His studies of early American governance and society remain foundational in the field of history. Andrews' scholarship helped to shape understanding of the Atlantic world and the development of American institutions.

Edwin Linkomies was a Finnish scholar and politician who combined a career in academia with high-level public service. A professor of German literature at the University of Helsinki, he was respected for his scholarly work and wartime lectures. Linkomies served as Prime Minister of Finland from 1943 to 1944, guiding the nation through the final phases of World War II. He negotiated armistice discussions and managed relations with both Germany and the Soviet Union. After leaving office, he continued teaching and writing on political and cultural topics. His dual impact on Finnish intellectual life and national policy has made him a significant figure in 20th-century Finland.

Jacques Lacan was a French psychiatrist and psychoanalyst born in Paris in 1901. He reinterpreted Freud's work through the lens of structural linguistics and philosophy, emphasizing language in the unconscious. Lacan introduced concepts like the 'mirror stage' and the 'objet petit a', profoundly impacting psychoanalytic practice. His seminars in Paris attracted intellectuals from across Europe, bridging psychoanalysis, literature, and philosophy. Lacan's writings and teachings influenced fields as diverse as film theory, feminist critique, and post-structuralism. He remained a controversial figure until his death in 1981, but his legacy endures in contemporary thought.

Paul Flory was an American chemist and engineer renowned for his groundbreaking research in polymer chemistry. Born in Sterling, Illinois, in 1910, he developed the Flory–Huggins theory, which provided fundamental insights into polymer solutions. His contributions earned him the Nobel Prize in Chemistry in 1974. Throughout his career, he held academic positions at Cornell and Stanford universities, mentoring future scientists. Flory's work laid the foundation for modern polymer science, impacting materials engineering, biotechnology, and industrial chemistry.

Alexander Men was a Russian Orthodox priest, scholar, and author who played a pivotal role in the revival of Christianity in the USSR. Born in 1930, he studied theology and history, writing extensively on comparative religion and church history. Men founded the Russian Bible Society and conducted open Bible lectures that attracted thousands in Moscow. He authored over 50 books, making religious ideas accessible amid state atheism. In 1990, he was tragically murdered, and his legacy continues to inspire spiritual seekers in Russia and beyond.

Born in 1908 in Budapest, Edward Teller emigrated to the United States in 1935 and became a naturalized citizen. He was a professor at the University of California, Berkeley, and a prominent member of the Manhattan Project. Teller is often called the 'father of the hydrogen bomb' for his leadership in designing the thermonuclear device in the early 1950s. He also made contributions to molecular physics and advocated for defense initiatives during the Cold War. Teller's testimony against J. Robert Oppenheimer at security hearings sparked controversy in scientific circles. He continued advising the U.S. government on nuclear policy until his death in 2003 at the age of 95.

Born on June 19, 1952, in Colombo, Sri Lanka. Earned a Ph.D. in social sciences with a focus on gender studies. Co-founded the Women’s Action Network and worked closely with Amnesty International. Advocated for victims of torture and served on national human rights commissions. Published extensively on reconciliation, gender equality, and civil liberties. Recognized internationally for strengthening Sri Lanka’s civil society. Passed away on September 9, 2013.

K. Kunaratnam (1934–2015) was a pioneering Sri Lankan physicist and academic leader. He specialized in both experimental and theoretical physics and played a pivotal role in developing research programs at local universities. Kunaratnam dedicated himself to teaching, mentoring students, and strengthening scientific education in Sri Lanka. He authored several influential papers and presented his work at international conferences. His commitment to scholarship and mentorship helped lay the foundation for modern physics research in his country.