December 28

Born in 1465 in Augsburg, Peutinger studied law and became an imperial official under Emperor Maximilian I. He collected and preserved classical antiquities and manuscripts, most famously the Tabula Peutingeriana, a medieval map of the Roman road network. His work as an antiquarian laid the groundwork for the study of ancient geography during the Renaissance. Peutinger maintained correspondences with leading humanists of his time, facilitating the exchange of classical knowledge. He died in 1547, leaving a legacy as a key figure in the preservation of ancient texts and maps.

Born in Bologna in 1618, Grimaldi joined the Jesuit order and pursued studies in mathematics and physics. He conducted experiments on the interference and diffraction of light, coining the term 'diffraction' to describe the bending of rays. His work challenged the prevailing corpuscular theory of light and foreshadowed the wave theory developed later. Grimaldi also contributed to mechanics, meteorology, and geometry through his letters and unpublished notes. Posthumously published by his colleague Giovanni Battista Riccioli, his findings influenced the study of optics for centuries. He died in 1663, remembered as a pioneer in experimental physics.

Born in Deventer in 1611, Gronovius studied classical literature at Leiden University. He produced annotated editions of Latin authors such as Seneca and Tacitus, applying rigorous textual criticism. Gronovius collaborated with his father, Jacob Gronovius, and became a leading figure in 17th-century humanist scholarship. His works included bibliographic compilations and commentaries that advanced the study of antiquity. He influenced generations of philologists by establishing standards for scholarly editing and analysis. He died in 1671, leaving a rich legacy in classical studies.

Born in Aix-en-Provence in 1656, Tournefort studied medicine before focusing on botanical research. He traveled extensively in the Mediterranean region, collecting and documenting plant species. In 1694, he published 'Éléments de botanique', proposing clear definitions of plant genera and species. His classification system influenced later botanists, including Carl Linnaeus, and helped standardize botanical nomenclature. Tournefort also contributed to mycology and the study of plant geography through his detailed illustrations. He died in Paris in 1708, leaving behind a foundational work in the history of botany.

Born in 1649 in Scotland, Carstares studied theology at the universities of Groningen and Leiden. He was imprisoned for his support of Presbyterian causes before seeking refuge in the Netherlands. He served as chaplain and political advisor to William of Orange, contributing to the Glorious Revolution in Scotland. In 1693, Carstares became Principal of the University of Edinburgh, overseeing administrative and curricular reforms. He also served as Provost of St Giles' Church and played a significant role in shaping Scottish ecclesiastical governance. He died in 1715, leaving a legacy as both a religious leader and academic reformer.

Peter Ernst Wilde was an 18th-century Polish-Estonian physician and writer born in 1732. He is remembered for founding the first Estonian-language medical publications, making medical knowledge accessible to the local population. Wilde contributed to the early development of journalism in Estonia by publishing articles on health, agriculture, and education. His Enlightenment ideals drove him to advance scientific discourse and public welfare through his writings. Though his career was cut short by his death in 1785, Wilde's efforts laid groundwork for later Estonian literary and scientific movements.

Eugenio Espejo was a leading Ecuadorian intellectual born in Quito in 1747. He studied medicine and law, becoming one of the first professional physicians in colonial Ecuador. Espejo published influential essays and newspapers advocating social reform and criticizing colonial authorities. An early proponent of Ecuadorian independence, he inspired future generations of revolutionaries with his ideas. His contributions to medicine, journalism, and law established him as a key figure in Latin America's Enlightenment.

Thomas Babington Macaulay, 1st Baron Macaulay, was born in 1800 in Leicestershire, England. A prominent Whig politician, he served as Secretary at War and later as Paymaster-General in the British government. Macaulay gained fame as a historian and essayist with his influential work 'The History of England from the Accession of James II.' His essays and speeches shaped Victorian liberal thought, advocating for parliamentary reform and educational advancement. He was also a Member of Parliament and contributed to the drafting of the Indian Penal Code.

William Corby was born in Ireland in 1833 and immigrated to the United States as a child. He joined the Congregation of Holy Cross and was ordained a Catholic priest in 1860. During the American Civil War, Corby served as chaplain for the Irish Brigade of the Union Army, tending to soldiers' spiritual and physical needs. After the war, he became president of the University of Notre Dame, expanding its academic programs and influence. His leadership in education and ministry had a lasting impact on Catholic higher education in America.

Johannes Rydberg was born in 1854 in Halmstad, Sweden. He studied physics and mathematics at Uppsala University and later became a professor at Lund University. In 1888, he introduced the Rydberg formula, which accurately described the wavelengths of spectral lines of many elements. His work provided critical empirical evidence that guided the development of atomic theory and quantum mechanics. Rydberg also conducted research in molecular spectroscopy and thermochemistry. He passed away in 1919, leaving a lasting legacy in the field of physics.

Born in 1895 in Quebec, Panneton pursued a career in medicine before transitioning to academia. He became a respected professor of medicine, publishing research on tropical diseases. His expertise led to appointments in Canada’s diplomatic service during and after World War II. As an envoy, he fostered Canadian relations in South America and Europe. Panneton also contributed essays on public health and international affairs. He died in 1960, remembered for bridging medicine and diplomacy in service to his country.

Born in 1875 into a wealthy Chicago family, McCormick earned a degree in biology from MIT in 1904. She funded the research of Margaret Sanger and scientist Gregory Pincus, accelerating the creation of the oral contraceptive pill. An ardent suffragist, she supported women’s rights and women’s education throughout her life. McCormick donated millions to institutions advancing medical research and gender equality. She played a pivotal role in 20th-century reproductive health, improving autonomy for women globally. She died in 1967, celebrated as a visionary philanthropist whose contributions transformed society.