October 29

Born in 1575, Calderwood trained in theology and became a minister in the Presbyterian Church of Scotland. He witnessed and documented the religious conflicts of his time in his landmark publication, 'The History of the Kirk of Scotland'. His candid account was initially suppressed in Scotland, leading him to spend years in exile in Holland. Calderwood's exhaustive research and writings provided an invaluable record of the Scottish Reformation and ecclesiastical disputes. He died on October 29, 1650, leaving a legacy as a meticulous and courageous historian.

Jean le Rond d'Alembert was born in Paris in 1717 and became one of the most influential mathematicians and philosophers of the Enlightenment. He co-edited the famous Encyclopédie with Denis Diderot. D’Alembert formulated the principle of virtual work in mechanics and contributed to the wave equation for vibrating strings. His 1747 treatise laid foundations for differential equations and mathematical physics. He was elected to the Académie des Sciences at age 25 and later served as its perpetual secretary. D’Alembert’s multidisciplinary work bridged mathematics, physics, and philosophy and shaped modern scientific thinking.

Joseph Babinski was born in Paris, France, in 1857. He studied under Jean-Martin Charcot at the Salpêtrière Hospital and became a leading neurologist. In 1896, he described the Babinski sign, a key clinical indicator of pyramidal tract lesions. Babinski held professorships at the Sorbonne and contributed extensively to neurological pathology. His research laid the groundwork for modern clinical neurology and reflex studies. He died on October 29, 1932, after a distinguished career in medical science.

Albert Calmette was born in Nice, France, in 1863. He studied medicine in Paris and joined the Pasteur Institute to research infectious diseases. Calmette collaborated with Camille Guérin to develop the Bacillus Calmette-Guérin (BCG) vaccine in 1921. He also worked on antivenoms and public health campaigns against malaria and plague. As director of the Pasteur Institute branch in Saigon, he advanced tropical disease research and immunology. He died on October 29, 1933, leaving a monumental contribution to vaccine science.

Paul Painlevé was born in Paris, France, in 1853. He earned a doctorate in mathematics and made significant contributions to differential equations and topology. During World War I, he served as Minister of War, overseeing critical aspects of the French military effort. In 1917 and again in 1925, he held the office of Prime Minister, grappling with postwar reconstruction and political challenges. Painlevé was also an advocate for scientific education and held positions at the Sorbonne. He died on October 29, 1933, remembered for bridging scientific excellence with public service.

Born in 1864, Dwight B. Waldo was a leading figure in the development of public administration studies in the United States. He served as president of the American Political Science Association and established one of the first university programs in public administration. His 1926 book "The Study of Public Administration" laid the foundation for the field. Waldo's work emphasized the importance of ethical governance and the role of bureaucracy in modern government. He influenced generations of scholars and practitioners before his death in 1939.

Thomas Slater Price conducted groundbreaking research in organic compounds, bridging laboratory discoveries with practical applications in industry. Born in 1875, he collaborated with both academic institutions and private firms to improve chemical manufacturing processes. Price’s work influenced the production of dyes, pharmaceuticals, and early polymers. His career exemplified the close relationship between scientific innovation and economic development. He died in 1949, leaving a legacy of applied chemical research.

Born in 1864, Robert Grant Aitken specialized in the study of double stars, publishing the definitive "New General Catalogue of Double Stars" in 1927 with over 3,000 entries. As director of Lick Observatory, he advanced astrometry through precise measurements and photographic techniques. Aitken’s work earned him the Bruce Medal and a lasting reputation in stellar astronomy. His meticulous observations provided critical data for understanding stellar masses and orbits. He died in 1951, remembered as a pioneer of modern observational astronomy.

Born in Uppsala in 1902, Arne Tiselius revolutionized protein chemistry by developing moving boundary electrophoresis and adsorption analysis methods to separate and study biomolecules. His groundbreaking research earned him the Nobel Prize in Chemistry in 1948. Tiselius served as a professor at Uppsala University and later directed the Biochemical Institute in Stockholm, mentoring generations of scientists. He also held leadership roles in the International Council of Scientific Unions. His analytical techniques remain foundational tools in biochemistry and molecular biology laboratories worldwide.

Edmund Langley Hirst (1898–1975) was a leading British chemist whose research elucidated the structures of sugars and polysaccharides. At the University of St Andrews, he developed innovative methods to isolate and characterize carbohydrate molecules, advancing the understanding of starch and cellulose. Hirst's prolific publications and leadership in scientific societies cemented his influence in organic chemistry. His work laid the groundwork for modern studies in biochemistry and industrial applications of carbohydrate polymers. He was celebrated for his meticulous experimental approach and contributions to both academic and applied chemistry.

Born in Kharkiv in 1915, Evgeny Lifshitz collaborated closely with Lev Landau to develop the acclaimed Course of Theoretical Physics, a comprehensive multi-volume treatise. His research spanned quantum electrodynamics, general relativity, and low-temperature physics, earning him the Lenin Prize and membership in the USSR Academy of Sciences. Lifshitz headed the theoretical physics department at the Kurchatov Institute, mentoring many prominent scientists. His clear, rigorous approach to presenting complex theories made his works enduring references. Lifshitz's contributions helped establish the Soviet Union as a leader in 20th-century physics.

Mimis Fotopoulos (1913–1986) was a Greek actor and singer born in Athens who studied drama at the National Theatre School. He built a prolific career in theatre and film, starring in over 100 productions across comedies, dramas, and musicals. Known for his charismatic presence and comedic timing, he also recorded popular songs and performed in musical revues. Later, he joined the faculty of the National Theatre Drama School, teaching acting and mentoring emerging talent. He was celebrated for his warm, expressive style and his ability to connect with audiences across genres. His dynamic career and dedication to the performing arts have left a lasting legacy in Greek cultural history.