November 30

William Gilbert served as court physician to Queen Elizabeth I and conducted groundbreaking experiments on magnetism. In 1600, he published 'De Magnete,' a comprehensive treatise that described the Earth itself as a giant magnet and introduced the term 'electricus.' His work laid the scientific foundations for the study of electricity and influenced later researchers such as William Harvey and Robert Boyle. Gilbert’s systematic approach to natural philosophy marks him as one of the founders of experimental science.

Bonaventura Cavalieri was an Italian mathematician and astronomer active in the early 17th century. He is best known for formulating Cavalieri's principle, a precursor to integral calculus that compared volumes of solids. Cavalieri studied at the University of Bologna and became a member of the papal academy of mathematics. His work laid foundational concepts for later mathematicians such as Kepler and Newton. Passionate about the geometry of curves and areas, he also made observations in astronomy, including lunar motion studies.

John Selden was a distinguished English jurist and scholar in the early 17th century. He authored seminal works on English law, maritime rights, and ancient manuscript traditions, including his famous 'Titles of Honour.' Selden served as a Member of Parliament and advised royalty on legal and constitutional matters. A prolific collector of books and documents, his library formed a core of the Bodleian collections at Oxford. Celebrated for his rigorous scholarship, Selden's analyses of legal history shaped modern understandings of common law.

Marcello Malpighi was a pioneering Italian physician and biologist who applied the microscope to study living tissues. He is regarded as the founder of histology and embryology through his detailed observations of plant and animal structures. Malpighi identified the capillaries, confirming connections between arteries and veins, a major advance in understanding the circulatory system. He held professorships at the University of Bologna and later at the University of Messina. His publications, including work on the structure of silk glands and the human lung, laid foundations for modern anatomy and physiology.

John Dollond was an influential English optician in the 18th century, celebrated for inventing the achromatic lens. His innovation corrected chromatic aberration in telescopes, significantly enhancing image clarity. In 1758, he patented his refracting telescope design and established a successful optics business in London. Dollond became a Fellow of the Royal Society in recognition of his contributions to astronomy and optics. His company, later known as Dollond & Aitchison, remained a prominent name in optical instruments for centuries.

Hubert Wilkins was an Australian explorer and aviator famous for polar expeditions. He pioneered aerial surveys of Antarctica and the Arctic regions. Wilkins led the first privately funded submarine voyage beneath Arctic ice. His work as an ornithologist and geographer expanded scientific knowledge of remote areas. He published books and articles that inspired public interest in exploration. His multidisciplinary career spanned natural history, mapping, and photography. Wilkins's adventurous spirit influenced future generations of explorers.

Compton Mackenzie was a versatile novelist, playwright, and critic. He achieved fame with the comic novel 'Whisky Galore'. Mackenzie co-founded the publishing house Chatto & Windus. He served in military intelligence during World War I. He authored over 100 books spanning satire, fiction, and travel writing. Mackenzie taught and lectured on literature and drama at universities. His sharp wit and social commentary left a lasting mark on British culture.

Engin Arık was a prominent Turkish physicist and professor at Bogazici University, specializing in experimental high-energy particle physics. She played a vital role in fostering Turkey's involvement in international research projects, including collaborations with CERN. Arık advocated for the development of national accelerators and popularized science through public lectures and educational outreach. She served as vice president of the Turkish Physical Society, contributing to the growth of physics research and education in Turkey. Her work aimed at bridging Turkish academia with global scientific communities, inspiring a generation of young researchers. Arık tragically died in a train accident in 2007, leaving behind a legacy of scientific leadership and dedication to research.

Born in 1922, Warner trained in medicine and specialized in cardiology. He became a leading academic at the University of Utah School of Medicine. Warner was a trailblazer in applying computer technologies to clinical decision making. His research in medical informatics led to early computerized patient monitoring systems. He authored numerous papers and mentored generations of clinicians and researchers. His work laid the groundwork for modern digital health records and diagnostic support tools.

Qayyum Chowdhury was a leading figure in modern Bangladeshi painting. Over a career spanning six decades, he introduced innovative watercolor and mixed media techniques. As a professor at the University of Dhaka, he shaped the art curriculum and nurtured countless students. His work was featured in national exhibitions and public projects, including stage and book cover designs. Chowdhury’s legacy endures through his vibrant canvases and the artists he inspired.

Marcus Klingberg was a distinguished physician and biologist known for his groundbreaking research in epidemiology and virology. After surviving World War II in Poland, he emigrated to France and later to Israel to pursue scientific studies. Klingberg led key research projects on infectious diseases at Israel’s Weizmann Institute and Ministry of Health. He published numerous influential papers that shaped public health policies. His work advanced understanding of disease control and prevention worldwide. Klingberg’s scientific legacy endures through the protocols and studies he pioneered.

Fatema Mernissi was a leading voice in feminist sociology and Islamic studies. Born in Fez, she studied at the Sorbonne and earned her PhD in sociology. Mernissi’s landmark books, such as 'Beyond the Veil' and 'The Veil and the Male Elite', challenged stereotypes about Muslim women. She combined rigorous academic analysis with personal narrative to explore power dynamics and gender roles. Mernissi founded research centers and mentored a generation of scholars in Morocco and abroad. Her thought-provoking work transformed discussions on gender, modernity, and religion.