September 12

Tanneguy Le Fèvre was a prominent 17th-century humanist who produced critical editions of ancient authors, including Latin poets and Greek tragedians. Educated in the classical tradition, he held professorships in Leiden and was admired for his philological precision. His commentaries helped shape modern classical scholarship in Europe. Le Fèvre’s works reflected a deep engagement with antiquity and influenced generations of scholars. He passed away on September 12, 1672, leaving behind a lasting academic legacy.

Nicolaes Tulp was a pioneering anatomist and civic official in Amsterdam, serving as city surgeon and later as mayor. His public dissections were among the first to be formally documented, most famously depicted by Rembrandt in 1632. Tulp’s published anatomical observations advanced medical knowledge across Europe. He also held significant political office, influencing public health and city administration. Tulp died on September 12, 1674, leaving a dual legacy in medicine and governance.

Born in 1779 in London to a family of Huguenot descent, Peter Mark Roget pursued medicine at Cambridge. He earned his medical degree and served as a physician at various hospitals. An avid theologian and member of the Royal Society, Roget conducted research on physiology and natural history. In 1852, he published the first edition of his 'Thesaurus of English Words and Phrases', revolutionizing reference works. Though later in life he became reclusive due to personal tragedies, his thesaurus remained in continuous print for over a century. Roget also contributed essays on logic, acoustics, and the theory of vision. He died in 1869, leaving a lasting impact on both medicine and the publishing world.

Born in 1787 in Nîmes, François Guizot rose from humble beginnings to become one of France's leading intellectuals. He taught history at the Sorbonne and authored influential works on European civilization. Guizot entered politics during the July Monarchy, emphasizing moderate liberal reforms. From 1847 to 1848, he served as Prime Minister under King Louis-Philippe, advocating constitutional governance. His conservative stance ultimately contributed to the February Revolution and the monarchy's downfall. Guizot spent his later years writing memoirs and defending his political legacy. He died in 1874, remembered for shaping 19th-century France and his extensive historical scholarship.

Born in France in 1841, Jules Violle dedicated his career to the study of radiometry and thermometry. He developed innovative photometers to accurately measure the solar constant and the temperature of the sun. As a professor at the University of Lyon and later Grenoble, he trained a generation of physicists. Violle’s work laid foundational principles for modern studies in solar physics and atmospheric science. He participated in international efforts to standardize measurement systems as a member of the International Committee for Weights and Measures. His contributions influenced both theoretical research and practical instrument design until his death in 1923.

Born in 1847 in Massachusetts, Sarah Frances Whiting became one of the first female physics professors in the United States. She established the physics laboratory at Wellesley College in 1876 and later founded its observatory. Whiting conducted pioneering experiments with X-rays soon after their discovery and is credited with building the first X-ray apparatus in the U.S. She advocated for women’s education in the sciences and mentored countless students who went on to prominent careers. Whiting also contributed to astronomical observations, publishing papers on cometary studies. She remained active in academia until her death in 1927, leaving a lasting legacy in science education.

Born in 1870 in Finland, Erik Adolf von Willebrand trained in medicine and pathology, focusing on blood disorders. In 1926, he published his landmark study on a familial bleeding disorder in the Åland Islands, now known as von Willebrand disease. His detailed clinical and laboratory observations established the basis for diagnosing and understanding this inherited condition. Willebrand served as a professor and hospital physician in Helsinki, leading efforts in hematology research. His work paved the way for advances in blood coagulation studies and treatment foundations. He continued to practice and publish until his death in 1949, leaving a lasting impact on medical science.

Born in 1898, Carl Hermann studied physics and mathematics with a focus on crystallography. In collaboration with Charles Mauguin, he introduced the Hermann-Mauguin notation, which became the international standard for space group symbols in crystallography. His work provided a systematic way to classify crystal structures and advanced research in mineralogy, materials science, and solid-state physics. Hermann authored influential textbooks that educated generations of scientists. His contributions continue to underpin modern studies of crystal symmetry and structure. He remained active as an academic until his death in 1961.

William Hudson was a pioneering engineer who led the Snowy Mountains Hydro-Electric Scheme in Australia. He served as commissioner of the Snowy Mountains Hydro-Electric Authority from its creation in 1949 until 1967. Under his leadership, the complex hydroelectric and irrigation project became one of the largest engineering feats of the 20th century. Hudson's vision integrated power generation with water conservation across state boundaries. He received the Commander of the Order of the British Empire for his contributions. Born in New Zealand, he studied civil engineering before moving to Australia. His work had a lasting impact on regional development and infrastructure planning.

Charlotte Wolff was a German-English physician and psychotherapist known for her pioneering research in dermatoglyphics and human sexuality. She fled Nazi Germany in the 1930s and continued her work in the United Kingdom. Wolff published The Human Hand, exploring the connections between fingerprints and personality. She later became a prominent advocate for LGBTQ rights, writing studies on lesbian psychology and history. Wolff's interdisciplinary approach combined medical science with social activism. Her work influenced both psychological diagnostics and discussions on sexual orientation. She lectured internationally and left a legacy of challenging scientific and social norms.

Born in 1937, Boris Yegorov graduated as a physician and joined the Soviet space program in the early 1960s. On March 18, 1965, he flew aboard Voskhod 1, becoming the first medical doctor in space and conducting experiments on human physiology in microgravity. His work provided groundbreaking data on the effects of spaceflight on the human body. After his historic mission, Yegorov continued medical research and served as a professor, advancing knowledge in space medicine. His pioneering contributions helped shape protocols for astronaut health and inspired future generations of physician-astronauts.

Born in 1927 in France, Serge Lang made significant contributions to number theory, modular forms, and diophantine geometry. He authored the widely used textbook Algebra, which shaped generations of mathematicians. A professor at Yale University, Lang was also an outspoken critic of scientific bureaucracy and political interference in academia. He founded the Bulletin of the American Mathematical Society and inspired debate on mathematical standards. His rigorous approach and passionate advocacy left a lasting impact on modern mathematics.