February 10

Thomas Platter was a leading figure of the Swiss Renaissance, whose writings provide a vivid account of 16th-century Europe. He studied at universities in Paris, Lyon, and Bologna before returning to Basel as a teacher. His most famous work, a travel diary, offers insights into the intellectual and cultural life of Italy and France. As headmaster of the Basel Latin school, he influenced generations of students. Platter's correspondence with other humanists helped spread humanist ideals across Europe. His meticulous observations make him an invaluable source for historians of the Renaissance era.

Benjamin Smith Barton was one of the first American scientists to study and categorize North American plant species. He served as a professor of materia medica at the University of Pennsylvania. Barton traveled extensively, collecting specimens and interviewing Native American practitioners about medicinal uses of plants. His publications, including 'Elements of Botany,' advanced the understanding of American flora. He also contributed to early American medical education and natural history. Barton's work laid the groundwork for future American botanists and ethnobotanists.

Born in 1785, Claude-Louis Navier made groundbreaking contributions to the study of fluid mechanics and elasticity. He formulated the Navier equations, which are fundamental to the theory of elasticity, and contributed significantly to what later became the Navier-Stokes equations describing fluid flow. Educated at the École Nationale des Ponts et Chaussées in Paris, Navier combined rigorous mathematical analysis with practical engineering applications. His work influenced the development of modern civil and mechanical engineering, impacting bridge design, structural analysis, and fluid dynamics. As an engineer, he also played a role in the construction of roads and canals in France. Navier's legacy endures through the equations that bear his name and continue to be central to both theoretical research and industrial practices.

Born in Skibbereen, Ireland, in 1842, Agnes Mary Clerke developed a lifelong passion for the stars despite having no formal university education. She authored landmark works such as the 'History of Astronomy during the Nineteenth Century,' earning acclaim for her clear and engaging writing style. Clerke contributed numerous articles to the Encyclopaedia Britannica, shaping public understanding of astronomical discoveries and theories. Though not an observer herself, she synthesized the work of telescope-wielding astronomers into accessible narratives for both scholars and laypeople. Clerke received honorary awards from scientific societies and was a fellow of the Royal Astronomical Society. Her books were translated into multiple languages and remained standard references well into the 20th century. Through her scholarship, Clerke helped bridge the gap between the scientific community and the general public, solidifying her reputation as a pioneering science writer. She passed away in 1907, leaving behind a rich legacy in the history of science communication.

Born in New York City in 1846, Ira Remsen studied chemistry in Germany before becoming the first professor of chemistry at Johns Hopkins University upon his return to the United States. He co-discovered saccharin in 1878 with his student Constantin Fahlberg, marking the first widely used artificial sweetener. Remsen co-founded and served as editor-in-chief of the American Chemical Journal, one of the country's leading chemical publications. He was a driving force in professionalizing chemistry in America and helped establish the American Chemical Society, serving as its president. Known for his rigorous teaching style, he trained a generation of chemists who went on to shape the field. Remsen’s research also encompassed organic chemistry and analytical methods. He retired from Johns Hopkins in 1902 but continued to publish and lecture. He passed away in 1927, leaving a legacy as a pioneer of American chemical education and research.

Born in 1883 in Maryland, Clarke studied mathematics and astronomy before turning to engineering. She earned a master’s degree from MIT, where she developed the Clarke calculator, a graphical device for solving power-line problems. In 1921, she became the first female electrical engineer at General Electric, designing high-voltage transmission systems. Clarke published influential papers on power system stability and taught at universities to mentor future engineers. Her pioneering work broke gender barriers and left a lasting impact on electrical engineering.

John Franklin Enders was an American virologist whose groundbreaking work led to the cultivation of the poliovirus in human tissue cultures. His research paved the way for the development of the polio vaccine, drastically reducing the disease's global impact. Awarded the Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine in 1954, he shared the honor with Frederick Robbins and Thomas Weller. Enders also made significant contributions to the study of measles and other viral infections. As a professor at institutions like Harvard University, he trained generations of scientists in virology techniques. His achievements earned him the title 'Father of Modern Vaccinology' and a lasting legacy in medical science.

Walter Houser Brattain (1902–1987) was a pioneering physicist born in Amoy, China. After earning his doctorate at the University of Minnesota, he joined Bell Laboratories, where he collaborated with John Bardeen and William Shockley. In 1947, the trio invented the first point-contact transistor, revolutionizing electronics and paving the way for modern computers. For this breakthrough, Brattain was awarded the Nobel Prize in Physics in 1956. He later served as a professor and mentor, influencing a generation of scientists. Brattain's contributions remain foundational to the fields of solid-state physics and electronic engineering.

Waldemar Hoven (1903–1948) was a German physician and SS officer born in Kassel. After studying medicine, he joined the Nazi Party and served as chief physician at Buchenwald. Hoven conducted inhumane experiments on prisoners, including typhus vaccine trials and lethal injections. His actions exemplified the atrocities of Nazi medical practices during World War II. Following the war, he was tried by an American military tribunal, convicted of war crimes, and executed in 1948. Hoven's case remains a stark reminder of the ethical violations in medical history.

He co-founded the Hkit San movement in the 1930s, revolutionizing Burmese poetry. A respected academic, he held faculty positions at the University of Mandalay. Min Thu Wun authored seminal works on linguistics and folklore. He later entered politics, serving as a parliamentarian in Myanmar's post-independence government. His dual legacy in literature and public service made him a cultural icon. His contributions continue to influence modern Burmese writers and thinkers.

Comfort trained at University College Hospital, specializing in gerontology and immunology. He authored pioneering research on aging and the human immune system. In 1972, he published 'The Joy of Sex', which became an international bestseller. Comfort also wrote poetry and essays reflecting his pacifist and anarchist beliefs. His scientific and literary contributions influenced both medical science and popular culture. His work continues to spark discussion on human sexuality and aging.