December 21

Thomas Allen was an English mathematician and astrologer active during the Elizabethan era. He taught at Oxford University and amassed a renowned library of scientific and philosophical works. Allen championed the study of Arabic and Greek texts, aiding the Renaissance revival of knowledge. He served as a royal astrologer and advised statesmen on celestial matters. His manuscript collection became a valuable resource for later scientists and scholars. Allen's dedication to scholarship influenced the spread of mathematics in England.

Leopold von Ranke was born in Wiehe in 1795 and initially trained in theology before pursuing historical studies. He pioneered the use of primary sources and empirical methods, setting new standards for historical research. Ranke served as a professor at the University of Berlin, where he influenced a generation of historians. His magnum opus, 'History of the Latin and Teutonic Peoples', showcased his narrative skill and rigorous analysis. Ranke also held diplomatic roles, advising the Prussian state on academic and cultural policy. His methodological innovations continue to underpin the practice of modern historiography worldwide.

Thomas Graham was born in Glasgow in 1805 and studied medicine before focusing on chemistry. In 1831, he became the first Professor of Chemistry at University College London. Graham formulated Graham's law of diffusion, relating the rates of gas diffusion to molecular weights. He later pioneered the study of colloids, distinguishing between crystalloids and colloidal substances. His work laid the foundation for modern colloid chemistry and has applications in dialysis and membrane science. Graham also served as president of the Chemical Society, influencing the advancement of the chemical sciences in Britain.

George W. Fuller was born in 1868 and is often called the father of modern water treatment. He designed and oversaw the construction of some of the earliest large-scale filtration and disinfection plants in the United States. Fuller developed systematic methods for water sampling, testing, and quality control that became industry standards. He also advanced sewage treatment techniques, promoting public health through better sanitation. Fuller's work contributed to significant declines in waterborne diseases like cholera and typhoid. He authored key technical papers and served as a consultant to cities around the world. Fuller continued his research and advisory work until his death in 1934.

Trevor Kincaid was born in 1872 and emigrated from Canada to the United States to pursue zoology. He established the first marine laboratory on the West Coast and made significant contributions to the study of marine invertebrates. Kincaid described numerous new species of worms, crustaceans, and mollusks, expanding knowledge of Pacific marine life. He served as a professor of zoology and mentored generations of students at the University of Washington. Kincaid also conducted research in entomology, studying beetles and other insects. He published extensively on taxonomy and ecology, helping to professionalize biology as an academic discipline. His dedication to education and research left a lasting legacy until his death in 1970.

Jaan Sarv was born in 1877 and became one of the founding figures of modern Estonian mathematics. He served as a professor at the University of Tartu, where he introduced improved teaching methods and wrote the first Estonian-language textbooks in algebra and geometry. Sarv conducted research in mathematical analysis and number theory, publishing papers that advanced the field. He was also active in academic administration, helping to establish professional mathematics societies. Sarv mentored a generation of Estonian mathematicians during the early 20th century. Despite political upheavals, he remained dedicated to education and the promotion of science in his homeland. Sarv's work laid the groundwork for a vibrant mathematical community in Estonia until his death in 1954.

Jan Łukasiewicz was born in 1878 and became a pioneering figure in modern logic and philosophy. He introduced Polish notation, a parenthesis-free system for writing logical expressions that streamlined formal proofs. Łukasiewicz also developed multi-valued logics, extending classical true-false logic to include additional truth values. His work on the logic of Aristotle and on the foundations of mathematics influenced thinkers across Europe. In 1940, he accepted an academic position at University College Dublin, where he continued his research and teaching. Łukasiewicz published numerous papers and books that remain central to studies of logic and the history of philosophy. He held that logic and clarity of thought were essential for philosophical inquiry until his death in 1956.

Sewall Wright was born in 1889 and became a seminal figure in the field of evolutionary biology. He developed the theory of genetic drift and introduced the concept of the adaptive landscape, profoundly shaping the modern synthesis of evolution. Wright’s research on inbreeding, selection, and population structure laid the groundwork for understanding genetic variation. He spent much of his career at the University of Chicago and made vital contributions to quantitative genetics. His numerous publications and mentorship of young scientists helped establish population genetics as a core discipline. Wright’s work continues to influence genetics, evolution, and conservation biology to this day.

Hermann Joseph Muller was born in 1890 and became a pivotal figure in genetics research. He was awarded the Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine in 1946 for demonstrating that X-rays can induce mutations in genes. Muller’s experiments on Drosophila melanogaster advanced the understanding of radiation effects and mutation mechanisms. He advocated for radiation safety and raised awareness of genetic risks associated with atomic energy. Muller held academic positions at prestigious institutions, where he trained numerous students and colleagues. His work laid important foundations for modern genetics and environmental health. He passed away in 1967, leaving a lasting scientific and humanitarian legacy.

Käte Fenchel was born in 1905 and emerged as one of the early female voices in German mathematics. She studied at leading universities, overcoming social barriers to earn respect in a male-dominated field. Fenchel's research spanned areas of algebra and geometry, and she published papers in respected scientific journals. She also mentored younger students, advocating for greater inclusion of women in mathematical sciences. Her achievements paved the way for future generations of female scholars in Germany and beyond. Fenchel's career demonstrated the vital contributions of women to academic research during a transformative era. She passed away in 1983, leaving a legacy of perseverance and intellectual rigor.

Frank Fenner was born in Ballarat, Australia, in 1914. He led the World Health Organization's global smallpox eradication campaign in the 1960s and 1970s. Fenner's research advanced the understanding of myxoma virus in controlling rabbit populations. He held professorships at the Australian National University and contributed over 200 scientific publications. Fenner received the Prime Minister's Prize for Science and was appointed a Companion of the Order of Australia. He served as the first director of the John Curtin School of Medical Research. He died in 2010, remembered as a visionary scientist whose work saved millions of lives.

Adele Goldstine was an American computer programmer born in 1920. She played a key role in the development and documentation of the ENIAC, the world’s first electronic general-purpose computer. Working alongside J. Presper Eckert and John Mauchly, she co-authored the machine’s instruction manuals. She taught the first group of programmers at the University of Pennsylvania, formalizing programming techniques. Her advocacy for clear documentation and training set a standard for future software development. She passed away in 1964, leaving behind a legacy that continues to influence computer science education.