November 19

Pedro Gallego was a Franciscan friar who lived in 13th-century Spain. He studied and taught at Franciscan institutions, specializing in philosophy, logic, and theology. His writings included commentaries on Aristotle and treatises that sought to harmonize classical thought with Christian doctrine. Pedro's scholarship helped introduce Aristotelian ideas to medieval Iberian intellectual circles. He held respected positions within the Franciscan order and advised on educational matters. He died in 1267, remembered as one of his era's leading theological minds.

Caspar Schoppe (1576–1649) was a German scholar and writer renowned for his sharp polemical works. Educated in Italy, he initially served as a papal secretary before turning to Protestant sympathies and publishing anti-Jesuit tracts. His writings, often bitter in tone, influenced religious debates during the Counter-Reformation. Schoppe's best-known work is 'Grammatica Historica,' a historical grammar of Latin literature. Despite controversies, he was respected for his vast erudition and contributions to humanist scholarship.

Born in 1763 in Hamburg, Tralles studied mathematics and physics at several European universities. He took part in the measurement of the meridian arc in Lapland, advancing geodetic science. Tralles conducted important research on meteorological phenomena and devised scientific instruments. He held academic positions in Berlin and served as a professor at the University of Halle. His publications on mathematics and physics were widely referenced by subsequent scholars. He died on November 19, 1822, leaving a lasting impact on the fields of geodesy and meteorology.

Carl Wilhelm Siemens was born in 1823 in Germany and later established his career in England. He founded engineering firms and played a key role in advancing industrial processes. His innovations included improvements in furnace design and telegraphic technology. Siemens's work earned him recognition from scientific societies across Europe. He died in 1883, having left a significant mark on the evolution of modern engineering.

William Seymour Tyler was born in 1810 and devoted his life to teaching and historical research. He held influential academic positions and guided generations of students. Tyler authored works on classical antiquity and institutional history, including explorations of early American education. His scholarship was noted for its depth and clarity. He died in 1897, remembered as a pillar of academic life in the United States.

Wilhelm Rudolph Fittig was born in Germany in 1835 and studied under prominent chemists of his time. He conducted pioneering research into the structure and reactions of aromatic compounds. Fittig's investigations laid important groundwork for modern organic synthesis. He served as a professor at several leading German universities, mentoring a generation of chemists. He passed away in 1910, leaving a lasting legacy in the field of chemistry.

Born in 1920 in Sapporo, Japan, Fujita earned his Ph.D. in meteorology before relocating to the United States. He joined the University of Chicago, where he pioneered detailed research on tornadoes and severe thunderstorms. In 1971, he introduced the Fujita scale (F-scale), revolutionizing how tornado damage was classified worldwide. His innovative radar studies and field investigations deepened scientific understanding of storm dynamics. Fujita received numerous honors, including the Buys Ballot Medal and membership in the National Academy of Sciences. His legacy endures in modern meteorology and severe weather research.

Born in 1914 in the Netherlands, Piet Esser emerged as a leading figure in modern figurative sculpture.\nHe studied at the The Hague Academy of Visual Arts and later taught at renowned art institutions.\nEsser’s works, often carved in marble and bronze, include public monuments and memorials across Europe.\nHis sculptures are celebrated for their realistic style and emotional depth.\nHe held numerous solo exhibitions and received prestigious awards for his artistic achievements.\nEsser’s legacy continues through his enduring public works and influence on contemporary sculptors.

Born in 1927 in Tardebigge, Worcestershire, Sir John Vane studied at the University of London before joining the Wellcome Research Laboratories.\nHe elucidated the mechanism by which aspirin inhibits prostaglandin synthesis, transforming pain management.\nIn 1982, Vane shared the Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine for these pioneering discoveries.\nHe later served as director of the William Harvey Research Institute at Queen Mary’s University of London.\nVane was knighted in 1984 and published extensively, influencing generations of pharmacologists.\nHis work laid the foundation for modern anti-inflammatory drug development and remains central to pharmacology.

Frederick Sanger (1918–2013) was a British biochemist who revolutionized molecular biology by developing methods to sequence proteins and nucleic acids. He first determined the complete amino acid sequence of insulin, earning him the 1958 Nobel Prize in Chemistry. Later, he devised the Sanger sequencing technique, which became the foundation for modern DNA sequencing and earned him a second Nobel Prize in 1980. Sanger spent most of his career at the Medical Research Council Laboratory of Molecular Biology in Cambridge. He was known for his meticulous experimental approach and mentorship of young scientists. His work paved the way for the Human Genome Project and countless advances in genetics and medicine.

Tony Campolo is an American sociologist and ordained minister born in 1935, celebrated for blending academic insight with evangelical faith. He served as a professor of sociology at Eastern University, educating students on issues of poverty and social ethics. In 2007, he co-founded the Red Letter Christians movement, emphasizing a return to the social teachings of Jesus in modern faith communities. Campolo has authored over fifty books, including influential titles on spiritual life and compassionate activism. His dynamic speaking style has made him a sought-after keynote speaker at conferences and churches worldwide. Through decades of ministry and scholarship, he has inspired diverse audiences to pursue justice and service as central tenets of Christian discipleship.