November 15

Albertus Magnus, also known as Saint Albert the Great, was a Dominican friar and scholar in the High Middle Ages. He made groundbreaking contributions to natural philosophy, theology, and the sciences, studying topics from botany to astronomy. Albertus taught at the University of Paris and was the mentor of Thomas Aquinas. He was appointed Bishop of Regensburg, where he continued his writings and founded colleges. His work laid the foundations for later scientific inquiry and the scholastic tradition. Albertus was canonized in 1931 and is honored as the patron saint of scientists. His intellectual legacy remains influential in medieval studies and philosophy.

Johannes Kepler (1571–1630) transformed astronomy with his three laws of planetary motion, describing elliptical orbits. As Tycho Brahe’s assistant, he utilized precise observational data to challenge prevailing circular orbit theories. His works, including Astronomia Nova and Harmonices Mundi, bridged mathematics, physics, and celestial mechanics. Kepler’s laws provided a critical foundation for Isaac Newton’s theory of universal gravitation. He also made significant contributions to optics and the development of astronomical instruments. Kepler died on November 15, 1630, leaving a lasting legacy in the Scientific Revolution.

John Witherspoon (1723-1794) was a Scottish-born clergyman who became a leading figure in early American education and politics. After emigrating in 1768, he served as president of the College of New Jersey (Princeton University), championing a curriculum that blended Enlightenment and religious thought. Witherspoon mentored future leaders and helped shape the young republic's intellectual climate. He represented New Jersey in the Continental Congress and was the only clergyman to sign the Declaration of Independence. His writings advanced moral philosophy and republican ideals. Witherspoon's dual legacy in theology and public service left a lasting mark on American institutions.

Jean-Baptiste Say (1767-1832) was a leading figure in classical economics and a successful businessman. He founded a textile enterprise before turning to economic theory, where his formulation of Say's Law ("supply creates its own demand") became central to market economics. Say's seminal work, "A Treatise on Political Economy", introduced key concepts such as entrepreneurship and factors of production. He served on the Conseil d'État under Napoleon and contributed to early industrial policy. Say's ideas influenced economists like Mill and Bastiat and remain foundational in modern economic thought. His dual career bridged practical commerce and academic inquiry.

Born in 1858 in Épinal, France. Durkheim studied at the École Normale Supérieure and later taught sociology at multiple universities. He authored foundational works such as 'The Division of Labor in Society' and 'Suicide'. Durkheim established sociology as a formal academic discipline with rigorous methodology. His theories on social cohesion and collective consciousness shaped modern social science. He died in 1917, leaving an enduring influence on sociology and anthropology.

Born in 1862 in Vladimir, Russia. He studied engineering in Germany and joined the AEG company. Dolivo-Dobrovolsky invented and developed the three-phase alternating current system. He designed the first practical three-phase induction motor and transformer. His work laid the foundation for widespread electrification in the 20th century. He died in 1919, celebrated as a key figure in electrical engineering.

Born in 1866 in Mulhouse, then part of France. Werner studied chemistry in Zurich and earned his doctorate in 1890. He formulated the coordination theory of transition metal complexes. In 1913, he received the Nobel Prize in Chemistry for this pioneering work. Werner’s ideas transformed inorganic chemistry and influenced modern chemical bonding theories. He died in 1919, leaving a lasting impact on scientific research.

Petros Protopapadakis was born in 1854 in Tripoli, Greece. He excelled as a mathematician and served as a professor at the University of Athens, conducting research on algebraic equations. Transitioning to politics, he became a leading member of the royalist People's Party. In May 1922, he was appointed as the 107th Prime Minister of Greece during the crisis of the Greco-Turkish War. His short tenure faced military defeats and economic collapse following the Asia Minor catastrophe. After the national tragedy, he was tried and executed in the Trial of the Six. He remains a controversial figure symbolizing the challenges faced by Greece in the early twentieth century.

Frank M. Chapman was born in 1864 in West Springfield, Massachusetts, USA. He joined the American Museum of Natural History in 1887 and later became its Curator of Birds. In 1900, Chapman initiated the Christmas Bird Count, a citizen science project that continues today. He authored influential field guides and popularized bird watching as a scientific discipline. As one of the earliest wildlife photographers, he captured rare bird species in their natural habitats. Chapman advocated for migratory bird protection, contributing to the Migratory Bird Treaty Act of 1918. His research and conservation efforts laid the groundwork for modern ornithology.

Frank Weston Benson was born in 1862 in Salem, Massachusetts, USA. He studied at the School of the Museum of Fine Arts in Boston under Edmund Tarbell. As a founding member of the Ten American Painters, he helped introduce Impressionism to American audiences. Benson gained acclaim for his beach scenes, portraits, and masterful use of light and color. He also excelled in etching and watercolor, demonstrating his versatility across media. For many years, he taught painting and engraving at his alma mater, influencing a generation of artists. His works are held in major museums nationwide and continue to inspire admirers of American Impressionism.

Emma Richter was born in 1888 in Bonn, Germany. She studied natural sciences at the University of Bonn, focusing on paleontology and geology. Richter specialized in the morphology and classification of Paleozoic echinoderms and brachiopods. She published numerous papers that advanced the understanding of ancient marine ecosystems. Her fieldwork and meticulous analysis helped curate and expand major German museum collections. Richter collaborated with leading scientists of her time and mentored young researchers. She passed away in 1956, leaving a lasting impact on the study of paleontology.

Born on February 14, 1869, in Glasgow, Wilson studied natural sciences at Cambridge University where he developed his interest in meteorology. In 1911, he invented the cloud chamber, a device that visualizes the paths of ionizing particles and revolutionized experimental physics. His work provided crucial insights into atmospheric electricity and cosmic rays. Awarded the Nobel Prize in 1927, Wilson’s invention became an essential tool in particle physics and radiation research. He served as professor at Cavendish Laboratory and engaged in long-term meteorological studies. Wilson was knighted in 1927 and continued to refine his chamber designs until his retirement. He died on November 15, 1959, leaving a lasting legacy in both physics and atmospheric science.