November 18

Adam Marsh (d. 1259) was a leading Franciscan scholar and spiritual adviser in medieval England. A confidant of Robert Grosseteste, he served as a key interlocutor between university circles and church leadership. Marsh's extensive letter collection reveals his deep insight into theology, ecclesiastical reform, and pastoral care. He lectured on philosophy and theology at Oxford, influencing a generation of scholars including Thomas Aquinas. Marsh played a critical role in mediating disputes among clergy and advising English monarchs on religious affairs. His legacy endures through his preserved writings, which offer a window into 13th-century intellectual and spiritual life.

Roger Bolingbroke (d. 1441) was a learned English cleric, astronomer, and astrologer at the court of King Henry VI. He studied at Oxford and later served as a magister, earning a reputation for his scientific knowledge. Bolingbroke's interest in astrology and alleged necromancy drew him into the controversial trial and execution of Eleanor Cobham, Duchess of Gloucester. Accused of predicting the king's death, he faced charges of treason and sorcery. His downfall highlighted the perilous intersection of science, magic, and politics in medieval England. Bolingbroke's case remains a notable example of the era's fascination and fear surrounding occult practices.

Born in 1745 in Devon, William Jessop became one of the leading civil engineers of the Industrial Revolution. He served as Chief Engineer for the Cromford Canal and the Grand Junction Canal, pioneering the use of iron aqueducts. Jessop later oversaw the construction of docks, harbors, and the first public railway line in Britain. His innovative designs and management skills shaped modern transportation infrastructure. He mentored future engineers and contributed to the development of engineering practice. His projects significantly boosted trade and industry across the country. Jessop died in 1814, leaving a lasting legacy in the field of civil engineering.

Born in 1876, Ivane Javakhishvili dedicated his life to chronicling Georgia's past. He co-founded Tbilisi State University in 1918 and served as its first rector. His landmark work, the multi-volume 'History of the Georgian Nation,' remains a seminal reference. A scholar of medieval and modern Georgian history, he introduced rigorous methodology to the field. Javakhishvili also fostered international collaboration and influenced generations of historians. His legacy endures in the continued prominence of Georgian studies worldwide.

Walther Nernst was born in 1864 and became a pioneer of physical chemistry. He is best known for the Nernst equation, which describes the relationship between chemical equilibria and electric potential. In 1920, he was awarded the Nobel Prize in Chemistry for his work on thermochemistry and electrochemistry. Nernst also formulated the Third Law of Thermodynamics, advancing the understanding of entropy at absolute zero. He served as a professor at the University of Göttingen and mentored many future scientists. His contributions laid the foundation for modern electrochemistry and theoretical chemistry.

Niels Bohr was born in 1885 in Copenhagen and invented the Bohr model of the atom. His work on quantum theory earned him the Nobel Prize in Physics in 1922. Bohr founded the Institute of Theoretical Physics at the University of Copenhagen, attracting brilliant minds from around the world. He introduced the principle of complementarity and advanced the understanding of electron structure. During World War II, he escaped Nazi-occupied Denmark and contributed to the Manhattan Project. After the war, Bohr advocated for peaceful use of nuclear energy and international scientific cooperation. His insights continue to underpin modern physics and quantum mechanics.

Anselm Franz was an Austrian engineer and jet engine pioneer at Junkers and BMW during the 1930s and 1940s. He designed the groundbreaking Jumo 004, the world's first mass-produced axial-flow turbojet engine used in the Messerschmitt Me 262. After World War II, Franz moved to the United States and continued research at Bendix Corporation, advancing jet propulsion technology. His work laid the foundation for modern jet engines in both military and commercial aviation. Franz's innovations transformed air travel and set new standards in engine efficiency and performance. He is remembered as one of the key figures in the evolution of aerospace engineering.

Robert Bacher was born in 1905 and became a pioneering nuclear physicist. He served as a group leader on the Manhattan Project at Los Alamos during World War II. After the war, he held key positions at Caltech and the Atomic Energy Commission, shaping U.S. nuclear policy. He was also a professor at Cornell University, mentoring future physicists. His work laid the foundation for advances in particle physics and atomic research.

Brian G. Marsden was born in 1937 and educated at Cambridge University, where he specialized in orbital dynamics. He served as the director of the Smithsonian Astrophysical Observatory's Minor Planet Center, tracking asteroids and comets. Marsden developed methods for predicting the return of periodic comets and recovering lost objects. His Minor Planet Circulars became essential references for astronomers worldwide. He received numerous honors for his contributions to astronomy and mentorship of young scientists.

Denton Cooley was an American cardiovascular surgeon who performed the first implantation of a total artificial heart in a human. Born in 1920, he founded the Texas Heart Institute in 1962 and led it for over 30 years. Training under Dr. Michael DeBakey, Cooley developed innovative techniques in open-heart surgery, including heart valve replacement and coronary bypass grafting. He authored more than 90 scientific papers and mentored a generation of surgeons. His pioneering work transformed cardiac surgery and saved countless lives worldwide. He remained active as a researcher and educator into his later years.