October 23

Born in Amsterdam in 1713, Pieter Burman the Younger was the nephew and successor of the eminent scholar Pieter Burman. He held professorships at the University of Franeker and later at Leiden University, teaching Latin and Greek. Burman produced authoritative editions of Horace, Ovid, and other classical authors, employing rigorous textual analysis. In addition to his scholarly work, he wrote Latin poetry and influenced a generation of humanist scholars. His contributions helped shape modern philology and classical studies in the 18th century.

Born in 1762 in Hebron, Connecticut, Samuel Morey was an inventive engineer fascinated with steam and combustion. In the early 19th century, he patented one of the first internal combustion engines, using ignited gas vapors to drive pistons. Morey also developed improved marine engines and built one of the earliest gas-powered boats on the Connecticut River. Despite his technical achievements, he struggled to secure widespread recognition or financial success. His experiments laid groundwork for future developments in automotive and marine engineering, marking him as a forgotten pioneer.

Born in 1790 in Connecticut, Goodrich graduated from Yale and was ordained as a Congregational minister. He served parishes in Massachusetts and Connecticut before turning to lexicography. In 1827, he published A Comprehensive Pronouncing and Explanatory Dictionary of the English Language, building on Noah Webster's work. Later appointed Professor of Rhetoric and Oratory at Yale College, he influenced generations of students. He remained at Yale until his death in 1860, leaving a lasting legacy in American lexicography and education.

Born in 1796 in Locarno, Stefano Franscini studied philosophy and mathematics before devoting himself to public service. A pioneer of demographic and economic statistics, he published extensive reports on Swiss population and industry. His work led to the establishment of the Federal Statistical Office in 1848. That same year, he was elected to the newly formed Swiss Federal Council, where he oversaw education and infrastructure. He advocated for public schooling reforms and internal development until his death in 1857.

Born in 1805 in Providence, Rhode Island, Bartlett was a self-taught scholar with a passion for language and history. He served as United States Boundary Commissioner following the Mexican-American War and produced detailed reports on the new territories. In 1848, he published the Dictionary of Americanisms, cataloging regional expressions in the young nation. He later served as librarian of the State Department and wrote histories of Rhode Island. Bartlett's meticulous research helped define American English and document early national history until his death in 1886.

Born in 1822 in Anspach, Gustav Spörer became a professor of astronomy in Potsdam, where he conducted systematic observations of sunspots. He identified patterns in sunspot latitudes, contributing to the understanding of the solar cycle and leading to the naming of the Spörer Minimum. His multi-decade observations provided crucial data on solar activity's impact on Earth's climate. Spörer collaborated with other European observatories to standardize astronomical measurements. His work laid the groundwork for modern solar physics until his death in 1895.

Born in Kaposvár, Hungary, in 1837, Moritz Kaposi studied medicine in Vienna and specialized in dermatology. In 1872, he published a detailed account of a rare skin cancer that later bore his name, Kaposi's sarcoma. He became a leading figure at the University of Vienna's dermatology clinic and contributed to advancing skin disease classification. His research influenced generations of dermatologists and laid groundwork for understanding vascular proliferative disorders. Kaposi's work extended beyond clinical practice to teaching and publishing, making him a central figure in 19th-century dermatology.

Neltje Blanchan (1865–1918) combined her passions for history and natural science to produce richly illustrated books such as 'Nature's Garden' and 'Bird Neighbors'. Her works blended meticulous historical research with practical observations of plant and wildlife species. As a popularizer of nature studies, she encouraged readers to explore the outdoors and appreciate biodiversity. Blanchan's accessible writing style and elegant illustrations helped spark public interest in conservation at the turn of the 20th century. Her legacy endures in the fields of environmental history and nature education.

William David Coolidge (1873–1975) pioneered advancements in electrical engineering and physics while working for General Electric. His 1913 invention of the Coolidge X-ray tube revolutionized medical imaging by providing a stable, controllable source of X-rays. Earlier, he improved incandescent lamp performance through a ductile tungsten filament, greatly extending bulb life and efficiency. Coolidge held leadership roles at GE, contributing to research in nuclear physics and vacuum tube technology. His innovations had profound impacts on healthcare, lighting, and electronics throughout the 20th century.

Gilbert N. Lewis was born in 1875 in Weymouth, Massachusetts and studied chemistry at Harvard University. He joined the University of California, Berkeley faculty in 1901 and later served as its dean. Lewis introduced the concept of electron-pair bonds and developed Lewis dot structures. He formulated the Lewis acid-base theory, transforming the understanding of chemical reactions. His influential research and mentorship shaped generations of chemists before his death in 1946.

Born in 1894, Emma Vyssotsky earned her Ph.D. in astronomy and joined the University of Virginia faculty. She specialized in stellar spectroscopy and conducted pioneering research on the composition and motion of stars. Vyssotsky co-developed classification techniques that refined the Hertzsprung-Russell diagram. Her teaching inspired generations of astronomers, and she published numerous papers on galactic dynamics. Despite the challenges faced by women in science at the time, she became a respected member of the astronomical community. She continued her work until her retirement, leaving a lasting impact on the study of the Milky Way.

Born in 1902 in Vienna, Robert Eberan von Eberhorst studied mechanical engineering at the Technical University. In the 1930s, he joined Auto Union and led the design of pioneering mid-engine Grand Prix racing cars. After World War II, he worked for Jaguar and engineered the legendary C-Type and D-Type sports cars. His innovations in chassis design and aerodynamics contributed to multiple Le Mans victories. Eberhorst later consulted for automotive firms and published research on vehicle dynamics. He passed away in 1982, leaving a legacy of racing and engineering excellence.