October 03

Van Boxhorn is best remembered for proposing the existence of a Proto-Indo-European language family in the mid-17th century. As a professor at the University of Leiden, he compared Latin, Greek, Persian, and other languages to identify common roots. His groundbreaking work laid the foundation for later linguists who formalized the study of language families. He also published dictionaries and grammars that advanced the understanding of classical and oriental languages in Europe. His contributions mark him as one of the earliest thinkers to approach language scientifically.

Orson Pratt was born in 1811 and became an early convert and leader in the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. As a member of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles, he helped establish church communities and define key doctrines. A pioneering mathematician, he lectured on astronomy and published works integrating scientific ideas with his faith. Pratt's dual legacy in theology and scholarship influenced both Mormon thought and the intellectual landscape of his time. He died in 1881, leaving behind a rich body of religious and academic writings.

Joseph Hergenröther was born in 1824 and became a distinguished church historian and academic. He held professorships in theology and specialized in the history of the papacy and church councils. Appointed cardinal by Pope Pius IX in 1879, he championed Ultramontanism and papal authority. His multi-volume histories remain standard references for understanding medieval and modern church developments. Hergenröther died in 1890, remembered for blending rigorous scholarship with ecclesiastical service.

Édouard Lucas was born in 1842 in Amiens, France. He studied mathematics at the École Polytechnique, where he developed a deep interest in number theory. Lucas is best known for defining Lucas sequences, which are closely related to Fibonacci numbers, and for inventing the popular Tower of Hanoi puzzle in 1883. He published several works on recreational mathematics and contributed to the study of prime numbers. His research laid the groundwork for later studies in algebraic number theory. Lucas held a professorship in mathematics and physics, inspiring future generations of mathematicians. He passed away in 1891 at the age of 49, leaving a lasting legacy in both theoretical and recreational mathematics.

Jacob Nash Victor was born in 1835 and trained as a civil engineer before joining the Atchison, Topeka and Santa Fe Railway. In the late 19th century, he served as chief engineer of the California Southern Railroad and supervised the construction of the Cajon Pass line through the San Bernardino Mountains. His work established a crucial link between Los Angeles and the transcontinental network, facilitating trade and travel. Victor's expertise in overcoming rugged terrain set new standards for railroad engineering. He later managed other major railroad projects across the American West. His leadership and technical skill helped transform rail transportation in the region. Victor passed away in 1907, remembered for his pioneering achievements in civil engineering.

Lucy Hobbs Taylor was born in 1833 in New York. Denied entry to dental school because of her gender, she apprenticed under a practicing dentist to gain hands-on experience. In 1866, Hobbs Taylor became the first woman in the United States to graduate from a dental college, receiving her degree from the Ohio College of Dentistry. She opened her own practice in Iowa, treating patients and mentoring other female dentists. Later she moved to Kansas City, where she co-founded scholarships for women in dentistry. Throughout her career, she championed professional education for women and helped to dismantle gender barriers in the medical field. Hobbs Taylor's achievements paved the way for future generations of women in healthcare. She died in 1910, remembered as a trailblazer in her profession.

Rolf Maximilian Sievert (1896-1966) was a Swedish medical physicist and professor who pioneered the study of radiation dosimetry and protection. As head of the physics department at the Karolinska Institute, he conducted groundbreaking experiments to quantify the biological effects of X-rays and gamma rays. Sievert chaired the International Commission on Radiological Protection and helped develop safety limits still used today. His work gave rise to the SI unit of dose equivalent, the sievert (Sv), named in his honor. He authored numerous publications that laid the foundations for radiation safety in medicine, industry, and research.

John Crank was born in London in 1916 and studied mathematics and physics at University College London, where he later earned his doctorate. In collaboration with Phyllis Nicolson, he developed the Crank–Nicolson method, a numerical technique for solving heat equations and other partial differential equations that remains widely used. During World War II, he contributed to radar research at the Admiralty Signal Establishment. After the war, Crank held academic positions at the Universities of Aberdeen and Edinburgh, mentoring generations of applied mathematicians. His book 'Free and Moving Boundary Problems' became a standard reference in the field. Crank passed away in 2006, and his work continues to impact computational physics and engineering.

M. N. Vijayan was born in 1930 in Palakkad, Kerala and pursued his education at the University of Kerala, where he later earned a doctorate. As a professor, he influenced generations of students and wrote extensively on literary criticism, politics, and cultural affairs. His works, including 'Pracheena Nayika' and 'Vidwamadhyaksa', are considered classics in Malayalam literary studies. Vijayan also edited major periodicals and hosted radio programs, bringing scholarly discourse to a broad audience. He received numerous honors, such as the Kerala Sahitya Akademi Award, for his articulate analysis and eloquent oratory. M. N. Vijayan passed away in 2007, leaving a profound impact on Indian letters and academic circles.

Born in 1916 in Victoria, British Columbia, Robert F. Christy studied under J. Robert Oppenheimer at the University of California, Berkeley. During World War II, he joined the Manhattan Project, where his design of the “Christy pit” revolutionized plutonium bomb development. After the war, Christy shifted his focus to astrophysics, making significant contributions to the understanding of nuclear processes in stars. He served on the faculty at Caltech and later at UCLA, where he was revered as both a researcher and a mentor. Christy discovered the nuclear isomer phenomenon and published widely on theoretical physics. His career earned him election to the National Academy of Sciences and lasting recognition before his death in 2012.

Joan Thirsk began her career at Bletchley Park during World War II, contributing to codebreaking efforts that aided the Allied war strategy. After the war, she turned to academia, earning a reputation as a leading historian of early modern England’s rural and agricultural history. Thirsk authored and edited key works such as The Agrarian History of England and Wales, which remain foundational in the field. Her meticulous research and interdisciplinary approach shed light on the social and economic forces that shaped rural communities. She served as president of the Economic History Society and held professorships at Oxford and other institutions. Thirsk was awarded the CBE for her services to history before her death in 2013.

Muhammad Nawaz Khan was a Pakistani historian born in 1943. He specialized in Mughal and Sikh history, publishing numerous reference books. His works include in-depth analyses of regional culture and political developments. He served as a professor at the University of the Punjab. Khan's writings are prized for their scholarly rigor and accessibility. He contributed to preserving Pakistan's historical heritage through research and publications.