November 28

Nathaniel Bliss was born in 1700 and educated at St John's College, Cambridge. He specialized in mathematics and astronomy, publishing works on celestial mechanics. In 1753 he was appointed Astronomer Royal, succeeding Nicolas-Louis de Lacaille. During his tenure Bliss observed the Transit of Venus in 1761, contributing valuable data to studies of the solar system. Although his time in office was short, he improved astronomical instruments at the Royal Observatory. Bliss died unexpectedly in 1764, leaving unfinished plans for extending lunar tables and refining navigational charts.

Luke Howard was born in 1772 and trained as a chemist in London. Fascinated by the atmosphere, he began systematically observing and naming cloud types such as cirrus, cumulus, and stratus. His landmark 1803 publication 'On the Modification of Clouds' established a universal cloud classification still in use today. Howard also conducted experiments in organic chemistry and studied the distribution of rainfall. His work laid foundational principles for modern meteorology and weather forecasting. Howard was elected a fellow of prestigious societies and his classification system was adopted by scientists worldwide.

William Froude conducted groundbreaking experiments on scale models to understand ship resistance and stability. He introduced the concept of the Froude number, fundamental in fluid dynamics and naval architecture. Froude's work led to the design of more efficient ship hulls and improved maritime safety. He also made significant contributions to bridge engineering and military technology. His legacy endures in modern marine engineering and the continued use of his scaling principles.

John Wesley Hyatt patented the first practical process for producing celluloid, an early plastic. His invention revolutionized manufacturing of combs, billiard balls, and photographic film. Hyatt founded the Albany Billiard Ball Company and secured numerous patents in plastics and materials. He demonstrated the commercial potential of synthetic materials and spurred the growth of the plastics industry. His work laid the foundation for modern polymer science and industrial design.

Born in Providence, Rhode Island, in 1853, Helen Magill White became the first American woman to earn a Ph.D. in 1877 from the University of Zurich. Her doctoral research focused on classical philology, examining ancient Greek texts in depth. Returning home, she joined Boston University as an instructor in Greek and Latin, inspiring students with her expertise. She later contributed to the development of women's higher education and academic standards in the United States. Her pioneering achievements challenged the norms of her time and opened doors for women in academia. She remained an influential educator until her death in 1944, leaving a lasting legacy in classical studies.

Born in San Antonio, Texas, in 1861, Adina Emilia De Zavala dedicated her life to preserving Texas history. A teacher by training, she championed the rescue of historic sites, most notably the Old Alamo long barracks. Her determined scholarship uncovered original documents and architectural features at risk of demolition. She co-founded the Daughters of the Republic of Texas, advocating for protective legislation for historic landmarks. Her preservation work set precedents in American conservation and inspired future preservationists. She continued lecturing and writing on Texas heritage until her death in 1955, securing her status as a pioneer in the field.

Henry Hazlitt began his career as a journalist and editorial writer, bringing economic analysis to a broad readership. In 1946, he published 'Economics in One Lesson', which became a foundational text for free-market economics. He served as an editorial writer for The New York Times and Newsweek, critiquing New Deal and Keynesian policies. Hazlitt's book 'The Failure of the New Economics' challenged prevailing economic theories of the time. A leading figure in the modern libertarian movement, he influenced thinkers like Milton Friedman with his clear, persuasive prose.

Lévi-Strauss conducted extensive fieldwork among indigenous peoples in Brazil, laying the groundwork for his structuralist approach. His landmark works, including "Tristes Tropiques" and "Structural Anthropology," revolutionized the study of kinship and myth. As a professor at the Collège de France, he influenced generations of social scientists around the world. He argued that universal patterns underpin human thought and culture. Awarded numerous honors, he remained active in research and writing well into his nineties.

As a professor at Vanderbilt University, Quarterman conducted groundbreaking research on limestone cedar glades, unique plant communities threatened by development. Her work led to the conservation of these habitats and informed restoration practices. She published numerous papers on plant ecology and served as a mentor to many young scientists. Quarterman was a founding member of several environmental organizations and received multiple awards for her conservation efforts. Even after retirement, she remained active in ecological research and advocacy.

Born in 1913, Cliff Addison pursued a career in academia, holding positions at multiple institutions. He taught and mentored students while contributing to research in various fields of chemistry. Addison was known for his commitment to chemical education and the development of laboratory practices. His work influenced a generation of scientists and helped shape curricula in higher education. He remained active in research and teaching until his death in 1994.

Born in 1924 in Czechoslovakia, Döbereiner moved to Brazil after World War II and became a pioneer in agronomy. Working at the Brazilian Agricultural Research Corporation (Embrapa), she identified and developed strains of Azospirillum bacteria that naturally enrich soil fertility, reducing the need for chemical fertilizers. She authored over 200 scientific articles and led programs promoting sustainable agriculture in tropical regions. Döbereiner's groundbreaking work transformed Brazilian farming practices and earned her membership in international science academies. She passed away in 2000.

Arthur M. Okun earned his Ph.D. in economics from Harvard University and later joined the faculty at Yale University and the University of Pennsylvania. In 1964, he was appointed chairman of President Lyndon B. Johnson's Council of Economic Advisers, where he advised on major initiatives including the War on Poverty and the Great Society. Okun introduced the empirical relationship known as 'Okun's law,' linking changes in unemployment to GDP growth, which remains a foundational concept in macroeconomics. After his government service, he conducted influential research at the Brookings Institution on topics such as social welfare, productivity, and price controls. Okun was celebrated for his ability to communicate complex economic ideas to policymakers and the public. His work on measuring social well-being and inequality influenced subsequent economic thought and policy. Throughout his career, he mentored numerous economists who went on to prominent academic and policy roles. Okun passed away in 1980, leaving a legacy as a key figure in modern economic policy analysis.