February 16

Johannes Stöffler (1452–1531) was a pioneering German mathematician, astronomer, and instrument maker. Educated at the University of Ingolstadt, he later became a professor at the University of Tübingen, teaching astronomy and mathematics. Stöffler published the influential 'Ephemerides' in 1499, providing accurate planetary positions that guided navigators and astrologers. He crafted precision instruments, including astrolabes and celestial globes, which enhanced observational astronomy. Stöffler advocated for calendar reform and advised church authorities on aligning the liturgical calendar. His commentaries on Ptolemy and Euclid helped revive classical scholarship during the Renaissance. His teachings influenced scholars across Europe and paved the way for future scientists such as Copernicus. He died in 1531, leaving a lasting impact on the scientific revolution.

Born in 1673 in Stepney, London, Mead studied medicine at Cambridge and Leiden. He wrote influential works such as "A Collection of the Best and Newest Observations in Medicine" (1709). Appointed physician to Queen Caroline and later King George II, he treated epidemics and royal patients. Mead's research on contagion and public health laid foundations for modern epidemiology. He amassed a vast library of medical texts, many of which became part of the British Library. His lectures and publications promoted clinical observation and preventive measures against disease. Mead died in 1754, remembered as one of Britain's most distinguished physicians and medical thinkers.

Born in 1865, James M. Canty dedicated his career to advancing education in the United States. He served as a teacher and later as a school administrator, where he implemented progressive teaching methods. Canty also ventured into business, applying his organizational skills to local enterprises. His leadership helped shape educational policies and community development projects. He remained active in both education and business until his death in 1964.

Born in 1888, John Garand emigrated from Quebec to pursue a career in engineering. He joined the Springfield Armory, where he developed the M1 Garand, the first successful semi-automatic service rifle. Adopted in 1936, the M1 Garand gave U.S. forces a significant advantage during World War II. Garand's innovative design influenced later generations of firearms. He continued refining small arms until his retirement and remained a respected figure in military engineering until his death in 1974.

Born in 1905, Rózsa Péter became the first woman in Hungary to earn a doctorate in mathematics. She laid foundational work in recursion theory, earning her recognition as the 'mother of recursion theory.' Péter's landmark book 'Rekursive Funktionen' became a classic in mathematical logic. She received international awards for her research and served as a professor, mentoring the next generation of mathematicians. Péter's groundbreaking contributions continue to influence theoretical computer science.

Born in 1895, Erich Hückel developed the Hückel method, a quantum mechanical approach to describe π-electron systems in molecules. His work revolutionized the understanding of aromatic compounds. Hückel also co-developed the Debye–Hückel theory of electrolyte solutions, a cornerstone of physical chemistry. He held professorships at German universities and mentored many future scientists. Hückel's contributions laid foundational principles that continue to underpin modern computational chemistry.

Born in 1894, Ye Shengtao emerged as a leading literary figure during the May Fourth Movement. He published influential short stories and essays that ushered in new narrative styles. Serving as Minister of Education, he promoted vernacular language and accessible schooling across China. Ye founded journals and schools that nurtured young writers and scholars. His works combined realism with social commentary, leaving a lasting impact until his death in 1988.

Born in 1908, Wold made groundbreaking contributions to statistical theory. He developed the Wold decomposition theorem for stationary time series. His work in path analysis and partial least squares regression influenced econometrics and social sciences. A professor at the University of Uppsala, he mentored generations of researchers. Wold's methods remain fundamental tools in modern statistical analysis.

Born in China in 1912, Wu earned her Ph.D. from UC Berkeley and conducted groundbreaking research in the United States. She led the famed Wu experiment that disproved parity conservation, reshaping modern physics. A key contributor to the Manhattan Project, she developed radiation detectors. Wu became the first woman president of the American Physical Society. Her achievements earned numerous awards, solidifying her status as the “First Lady of Physics.”

Born in 1908, Amdur conducted seminal research on the respiratory impacts of sulfur dioxide and arsenic. Her findings challenged industrial interests and influenced environmental regulations. Despite facing opposition, she persisted in studying urban air quality and its effects on children. Amdur held academic positions and published extensively on toxicology and epidemiology. Her work laid the foundation for modern air pollution standards and public health policies.

William Masters, born in 1915, was a leading figure in the scientific study of human sexual response. Together with Virginia Johnson, he conducted groundbreaking laboratory research, producing the seminal work 'Human Sexual Response' in 1966. Their studies challenged social taboos and laid the foundation for modern sex therapy. Masters served as a professor at Washington University in St. Louis and led its reproductive biology department. His clinical work and publications transformed understanding of sexuality and relationships. Masters' legacy persists in sex education and therapy practices worldwide, marking him as a pioneer in his field.