January 30

Franciscus Gomarus (1563–1641) was a Dutch Calvinist theologian and professor at the University of Leiden. He emerged as a leading opponent of the Arminian movement, defending strict predestination. At the Synod of Dort (1618–19), Gomarus helped shape the Canons of Dort that condemned Arminian theology. Throughout his career, he wrote influential theological treatises and taught future ministers. His uncompromising stance on doctrinal purity sparked intense theological debates. Gomarus' work deeply influenced Reformed theology in the Netherlands and beyond.

Charles Rollin (1661–1741) was a French historian and educator celebrated for his comprehensive writings on ancient civilizations. He authored multi-volume works such as 'Ancient History' and 'Roman History,' which became standard school texts across Europe. As rector of the University of Paris, Rollin championed educational reforms, including the study of modern languages and sciences. He opposed the Jesuit educational monopoly and promoted secular, accessible learning for a broader audience. Rollin also served as tutor to noble families, emphasizing moral instruction alongside academic rigor. His blend of scholarship and pedagogy significantly influenced 18th-century history writing and educational practices.

Charles De Geer made significant contributions to entomology through his multi-volume work "Mémoires pour servir à l'histoire des insectes," detailing the anatomy and classification of numerous insect species. A passionate collector, he amassed one of the era’s most comprehensive insect cabinets. Beyond entomology, De Geer conducted archaeological excavations in Scandinavia, documenting ancient artifacts and Nordic heritage. His meticulous illustrations and descriptions set new standards for natural history publications. As a member of the Royal Swedish Academy of Sciences, he helped expand scientific collaboration across Europe.

Adelbert von Chamisso joined the scientific expedition of the Russian ship Rurik, exploring the Pacific and gathering plant specimens from around the world. His keen observations led to the discovery of numerous new species, earning him a lasting place in botanical nomenclature. Alongside his scientific pursuits, Chamisso penned the beloved fairy tale novella "Peter Schlemihl," about a man who sells his shadow. His dual talents bridged the worlds of science and literature, reflecting the Romantic fascination with nature and imagination. A close friend of naturalist Alexander von Humboldt, he influenced a generation of explorers and writers.

Franz Ritter von Hauer conducted extensive fieldwork in the Eastern Alps, meticulously mapping geological layers and fossils. As curator and later director of the Imperial Natural History Museum in Vienna, he expanded the institution’s collections and promoted public education in the natural sciences. His classification of rock formations helped lay the groundwork for modern stratigraphy. Hauer published numerous monographs on Alpine geology and served as president of the Geological Survey of Austria. His contributions earned him international recognition and honors from scientific societies across Europe.

Richard Theodore Greener made history in 1870 as the first African American to earn a degree from Harvard College. He went on to teach at universities in the South during Reconstruction and served as dean of Howard University’s School of Law. Later in life, Greener was appointed U.S. consul to Vladivostok, representing American interests abroad. A tireless advocate for civil rights, he wrote and spoke on issues of racial equality and education. His life bridged the academic, legal, and diplomatic worlds at a pivotal moment in American history.

Born in Pretoria in 1899, Max Theiler studied medicine in South Africa and specialized in infectious diseases. He joined the Rockefeller Institute in New York, where he pioneered research on yellow fever transmission. In 1937, Theiler introduced the 17D vaccine strain, drastically reducing yellow fever mortality worldwide. His Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine in 1951 honored this breakthrough, which remains the standard vaccine today. Beyond yellow fever, he conducted research on other viruses, mentoring generations of virologists and shaping public health.

Born in Leipzig in 1902, Nikolaus Pevsner studied art history in Germany before fleeing the Nazi regime to Britain. He became Professor of the History of Art at the University of Leicester and later a fellow at the Courtauld Institute. Pevsner's comprehensive 'The Buildings of England' series meticulously documented architectural heritage county by county. He authored influential introductory guides on art and architecture, shaping public appreciation of historic buildings. His scholarly rigor and accessible writing made him a leading figure in 20th-century art history and conservation movements.

Marianne Ferber (1923–2013) was a Czech-American economist renowned for her contributions to feminist economics. She earned her doctorate from the University of Chicago and taught at the University of Illinois for many years. Ferber's research explored gender roles in labor markets and economic history. She co-edited the seminal anthology Beyond Economic Man, which challenged traditional economic theories. Her scholarship provided foundational frameworks for analyzing women's economic activities. Ferber's work paved the way for greater inclusion of gender perspectives in economic policy and research.

Born in Portland, Oregon, Engelbart earned degrees in electrical engineering and computer science. He headed the Augmentation Research Center at SRI International where he developed early interactive computing systems. In 1964 he invented the first prototype of the computer mouse, transforming the way users interact with computers. In 1968 he delivered a landmark demonstration known as the Mother of All Demos, introducing windows, hypertext, real-time collaboration, and video conferencing. Engelbart’s vision laid the groundwork for modern graphical user interfaces. He received the Turing Award in 1997 and inspired generations of innovators. His contributions continue to shape human–computer interaction.

Lucille Teasdale-Corti earned her medical degree in Montreal and specialized in surgery. In 1962, she traveled to Uganda and met Italian physician Piero Corti, whom she later married. Together they transformed a leprosy center into the Lacor Hospital, serving thousands in northern Uganda. Teasdale-Corti performed complex surgeries under challenging conditions and trained local staff. She faced personal risk during civil unrest, demonstrating extraordinary courage. Her dedication earned her national and international honors, including the Order of Canada. Even after contracting HIV from her surgical work, she continued her mission until her death in 1996. Her legacy endures in global health and humanitarian medicine.