September 19

William Robertson (1721–1793) was a Scottish historian, minister, and academic. He served as Principal of the University of Edinburgh from 1762 until his death. Robertson's major works include 'History of Scotland' and 'History of America', praised for their thorough research. His writings helped shape the study of ancient civilizations and global history in the Enlightenment era. He was a leading figure of the Scottish Enlightenment and a close friend of David Hume. Robertson was elected a Fellow of the Royal Society for his contributions to scholarship.

Jean Baptiste Joseph Delambre (1749–1822) was a French mathematician and astronomer. He led the measurement of the Paris meridian, which was crucial for defining the metric system. Delambre served as director of the Paris Observatory and edited the 'Connaissance des temps' almanac. He contributed to celestial mechanics and published works on the motions of the Moon and planets. Delambre was elected to the Académie des Sciences and played a role in standardizing scientific instruments. His legacy includes improving the precision of astronomical observations in the 19th century.

William Kirby (1759–1850) was an English priest and pioneering entomologist. He co-authored 'Introduction to Entomology', one of the first comprehensive works on insects. Kirby served as a rector in rural parishes while conducting detailed studies of insect life. He is often called the 'Father of Entomology' for his contributions to insect classification. His work laid foundations for modern taxonomy and inspired future generations of naturalists. Kirby was elected a Fellow of the Royal Society in recognition of his scientific achievements.

Orson Pratt (1811–1881) was an American mathematician and influential Mormon apostle. He joined the Latter-day Saint movement in 1830 and served on the original Quorum of the Twelve. Pratt helped map the western territories and conducted overland expeditions for the church. He published mathematical and theological works, including tracts on celestial navigation. Pratt was a vocal advocate for church organization and missionary work in the United States and abroad. His scientific background informed his religious writings, making him a key figure in LDS history.

Born in 1888, James Waddell Alexander II made foundational contributions to algebraic topology, including the introduction of the Alexander polynomial for classifying knots. A professor at Princeton University, he investigated homology theory and the properties of topological spaces. He was a founding member of the American Mathematical Society and helped shape modern geometric topology. His work laid the groundwork for advances in manifold theory and knot invariants, influencing generations of mathematicians before his death in 1971.

Born in 1889, Sarah Louise Delany became one of the first African-American women licensed as a dentist and spent decades in private practice and teaching. In 1993, at the age of 103, she co-authored the bestselling memoir Having Our Say: The Delany Sisters’ First 100 Years, which chronicled her life and her sister’s over a century of social change in America. The book brought her international acclaim and renewed interest in civil rights history. Delany remained an active speaker on race relations until her passing in 1999 at the remarkable age of 109.

Paul Bénichou was a leading 20th-century French literary historian and critic. He introduced psychoanalytic and historical methods to the study of literature, exploring how social and personal contexts shaped writers' works. His seminal works include "Le Sacre de l'écrivain" and "Genèse du lyrisme dans la poésie française", which analyze the evolution of the authorial identity. Bénichou held academic positions at the Sorbonne and influenced generations of scholars through his teaching. His insights into the relationship between authors and society remain influential in literary studies. He was honored for bridging historical research with critical theory, leaving a lasting legacy upon his death in 2001.

Reuben David was an Indian veterinarian and zoo director. He founded the Madras Zoo, later expanded into the Arignar Anna Zoological Park, one of Asia's largest wildlife parks. He introduced modern methods in animal care, nutrition, and habitat design. David was a pioneer in captive breeding programs and collaborated with international conservationists. His work established veterinary practices and research facilities that continue to support wildlife conservation. He remains celebrated for his lifelong dedication to animal welfare until his passing in 1989.

Masatoshi Koshiba co-developed the Kamiokande detector, enabling the first real-time observations of cosmic neutrinos. His work provided the first experimental evidence for solar and supernova neutrinos, deepening understanding of stellar processes. In 2002, Koshiba was awarded the Nobel Prize in Physics for his pioneering contributions to neutrino astrophysics. He served as a professor at the University of Tokyo, mentoring students and promoting international collaboration. Koshiba's research opened a new window on the universe and inspired generations of particle physicists.

Derek Gardner served as chief designer for Team Lotus and later for Tyrrell Racing in the 1960s and 1970s. Born in 1931, his innovative chassis and aerodynamic designs powered multiple world championships. Gardner's work on the Lotus 72 revolutionized F1 engineering with its wedge-shaped profile and advanced suspension. At Tyrrell, he created the iconic six-wheeled P34, showcasing his willingness to challenge conventions. He earned a reputation as a visionary engineer, blending technical precision with creative problem solving. Gardner continued consulting in motorsports until his death in 2011, leaving a lasting legacy on racing technology.

Michael Proctor earned his doctorate from the University of Cambridge, focusing on geophysical fluid dynamics. His research has advanced understanding of phenomena such as convection in planetary cores and stellar interiors. As a professor at the University of Cambridge, Proctor has published extensively in leading scientific journals and mentored generations of scholars. He has served on editorial boards and contributed to interdisciplinary collaborations linking physics, mathematics, and environmental science. Proctor's work has been recognized with prestigious awards, including fellowships of the Royal Society. His contributions continue to influence contemporary research in applied mathematics and theoretical physics.

Born in 1954, Adam Phillips trained as a psychoanalyst and practiced for many years at the Tavistock Clinic in London. He has authored acclaimed books such as On Flirtation, Missing Out, and Going Sane, blending psychoanalytic theory with literary and cultural commentary. Phillips is also a regular contributor to the London Review of Books and a respected broadcaster. His accessible writing style has introduced psychoanalytic ideas to a wider audience. He lectures internationally, exploring the intersections of psychology, literature, and everyday life.