September 28

George Buchanan was a leading figure of the Scottish Renaissance, born in 1506 and educated in Paris and Bordeaux. He served as professor of Latin at the University of St Andrews and later as tutor to Mary, Queen of Scots. Buchanan’s historical work, 'Rerum Scoticarum Historia,' provided a comprehensive account of Scottish history. He was also an accomplished poet, orator, and political theorist, advocating for constitutional government. Buchanan’s writings on resistance to tyranny influenced later Enlightenment thinkers. He died in 1582, leaving a legacy as one of Scotland’s greatest scholars and educators.

Born in Geneva in 1623 to Italian Protestant refugees, Turretin enrolled at the Academy of Geneva. He became a professor of theology at the Academy, where he taught for over four decades. Turretin’s major work, Institutio Theologiae Elencticae, systematically presented Reformed doctrine and became a standard theological text. He played a key role in defending orthodox Calvinist theology against emerging doctrinal challenges. His scholarly rigor and clear exposition influenced generations of Protestant theologians across Europe and America. Turretin passed away in 1687, leaving a profound impact on Reformed confessional theology.

Born in 1618 in Lyon, Mouton was ordained as a Catholic priest and pursued scholarly studies. He served as a theologian while passionately exploring mathematical and astronomical observations. In his 1670 treatise, he proposed using the Earth’s meridian to define a universal unit of length, laying groundwork for the metric system. Mouton also contributed to the study of trigonometry and calendars, seeking precise scientific measurement. Though his ideas gained limited recognition in his lifetime, they influenced later efforts to standardize measurements in France. He died in 1694, remembered as a visionary who bridged theology and early metric science.

Born in Quedlinburg in 1779, Ritter studied theology before turning to geography and education. He held teaching positions in Berlin and became professor of geography at the University of Berlin in 1820. Ritter collaborated with Alexander von Humboldt to establish geography as a distinct scientific discipline. His major work, Die Erdkunde, presented a comprehensive description of the world’s regions and peoples. Ritter emphasized the relationship between environment and human activity, influencing later geographic thought. He passed away in 1859, leaving a lasting foundation for modern geographic scholarship.

Born in 1822 in Dole, France, Pasteur studied chemistry and became a professor at the University of Lille. He discovered molecular chirality and developed pasteurization to prevent spoilage in food and wine. His experiments debunked spontaneous generation, laying the foundation for germ theory. Pasteur created the first vaccines for rabies and anthrax, saving countless lives. His work transformed medical practices worldwide and established principles still used in microbiology today.

Georg Simmel (1858–1918) was a foundational figure in sociology who explored the dynamics of individual and society. He introduced concepts such as the ‘stranger’ and formal sociological types, shaping the study of social interactions. His work encompassed essays on philosophy, culture, and modernity, merging social theory with philosophical insight. Simmel’s most famous book, “The Philosophy of Money,” examined how monetary exchange transforms human relationships. His theories continue to influence social science, cultural studies, and urban sociology today.

Sam Ruben (1913–1943) was an American chemist and researcher at the University of California, Berkeley. Alongside Martin Kamen, he co-discovered the radioactive isotope carbon-14, which became essential for radiocarbon dating and molecular tracing. His work advanced the understanding of biochemical processes using isotopic methods. Ruben was respected for his innovative experimental approaches and meticulous laboratory practices. His promising career was tragically cut short by a fatal lab accident, but his contributions continue to impact science.

Edwin Hubble was a pioneering American astronomer whose work revolutionized our understanding of the cosmos. In 1924 he confirmed the existence of galaxies beyond the Milky Way, and in 1929 formulated Hubble's Law, demonstrating that the universe is expanding. He developed a classification scheme for galaxies still in use today. Hubble served as the director of the Mount Wilson Observatory and advocated for large telescopes. His legacy endures through the Hubble Space Telescope, named in his honor.

Born in 1921, Chapman spent his career at the National Research Council of Canada. He pioneered the use of radar for planetary studies and mapped the surfaces of the Moon and other bodies. His work laid the foundation for modern radar astronomy in Canada. Chapman also advocated for the development of Canadian communications satellites, influencing national policy. He served as director of space science and telecommunications before his untimely death in 1979.

Escott Reid (1905-1999) was a prominent Canadian political scientist and diplomat. He served as Under-Secretary of State for External Affairs during and after World War II, advising on key policy decisions. In 1947, Reid became Canada's first permanent representative to the United Nations. He later held senior roles within the Commonwealth and OECD, influencing international cooperation. As an academic, he lectured at the University of Toronto and authored works on global governance. Reid's career bridged scholarship and diplomacy, leaving a lasting impact on Canada's role in world affairs.

Born in 1921 in New York City, James Emanuel pursued academic studies in literature and became known for his passionate poetry that addressed social and racial issues. He taught at several universities in the United States and Europe, fostering cross-cultural literary exchange. Emanuel’s collections, including his early volume Dark Symphony, received critical acclaim for their powerful voice and innovative style. After relocating to France, he continued to publish poetry and literary criticism, bridging American and European traditions. His scholarship focused on African American literature and comparative studies, contributing valuable perspectives to the field. Emanuel’s work inspired generations of poets and scholars until his passing in 2013.

Born in 1923 in Wales, Dannie Abse trained and practiced as a medical doctor while nurturing his passion for literature. He published many collections of poetry that earned critical praise for their exploration of memory, love, and identity. Abse also authored plays and memoirs, demonstrating his talent across multiple genres. His writing often reflected his medical experiences, infusing his poetry with compassion and depth. He received several literary honors for his contributions to British poetry. Abse’s enduring legacy lies in the rich body of work he created alongside his dedication to medicine until his passing in 2014.