May 10

He was born in Florence in 1397 and excelled in mathematics and astronomy. Toscanelli served as a scholar and medic in the Papal court, gaining renown for his celestial observations. His correspondence with explorers, including Christopher Columbus, proposed a westward route to Asia. He created influential maps that encouraged transatlantic voyages. Though he never sailed himself, his theories played a key role in early global exploration.

Born in 1501 in Wemding, Fuchs studied medicine at the University of Paris and Ferrara. He practiced as a physician while passionately collecting and classifying plants. In 1542, he published “De Historia Stirpium,” featuring detailed plant illustrations and descriptions. His work laid the foundations for modern botany and inspired the naming of the fuchsia flower. Fuchs’s blending of medical knowledge and botanical science marked a major advance in natural history.

Born in 1715, William Watson studied medicine at the University of Cambridge. He conducted groundbreaking experiments on electricity, collaborating with figures like Benjamin Franklin. Watson demonstrated the conductive properties of metals and explored lightning rods. In addition to his electrical research, he made contributions to botany and published observations on plant physiology. He served as a physician to the Royal Hospital Chelsea and was active in scientific societies. His interdisciplinary work helped lay the foundations for modern electrochemistry and medical practice.

Born in 1773 in Milverton, Somerset, Thomas Young exhibited extraordinary talent across multiple disciplines. He conducted groundbreaking double-slit experiments that supported the wave theory of light and introduced the concept now known as Young's modulus. Young also made significant contributions to medical science, studying vision and elasticity of tissues. A gifted linguist, he contributed to the early decipherment of the Rosetta Stone, recognizing the phonetic characters of Egyptian hieroglyphs. He held appointments such as Professor of Natural Philosophy at the Royal Institution. Young published extensively on physiology, mechanics, and philology, embodying the spirit of Enlightenment scholarship. His diverse achievements earned him lasting recognition in both science and the humanities.

Carl Nägeli (1817–1891) was a pioneering Swiss botanist noted for his research on plant cell structure and taxonomy. He investigated the anatomy of plant tissues, elucidating the properties of cell walls and intercellular spaces. Nägeli also studied fungal life cycles, laying groundwork for modern mycology. His theoretical writings on cell theory influenced subsequent generations of biologists. He held professorships at the Universities of Zürich and Munich, mentoring many future scientists.

Stanislao Cannizzaro (1826–1910) was a trailblazing Italian chemist known for clarifying the distinction between atomic and molecular weights. His presentation at the 1860 Karlsruhe Congress helped revive Avogadro's hypothesis, shaping modern atomic theory. Cannizzaro's textbook 'Sunto di un corso di chimica' disseminated his methods for determining atomic masses. He also researched coordination compounds and organic radicals. Holding professorships at Genoa and Rome, he mentored many influential chemists.

Belle da Costa Greene (1883–1950) was a pioneering bibliographer and librarian, best known for her role as J.P. Morgan's personal librarian. She transformed Morgan's private manuscript and rare book collection into one of the world's premier libraries. In 1924, Greene became the inaugural director of the Morgan Library & Museum, overseeing its opening to the public. She was celebrated for her expertise in acquiring and authenticating rare materials. Greene also navigated and subtly challenged the racial and gender barriers of her time.

Milan Vukcevich was born in 1937 in Serbia and later emigrated to the United States. He earned a doctorate in chemistry and made significant contributions to materials science research. Parallel to his scientific career, Vukcevich achieved acclaim as a chess player and composer of chess problems. He became one of the leading figures in international chess composition, winning multiple awards. His dual expertise bridged the worlds of science and intellectual sport, inspiring many. Vukcevich passed away in 2003, remembered for his lasting impact on both chemistry and chess.

Chris Burden was an American artist known for innovative sculptures and performance art. He initially gained attention for his radical early performance pieces, including the 1971 work 'Shoot.' Burden's sculptures often incorporated light, steel, and found objects to explore themes of technology and power. As an illustrator, he created detailed drawings that complemented his spatial work. He served as a professor at the University of California, Los Angeles, mentoring emerging artists. His public commissions and exhibitions worldwide cemented his reputation as a pioneering voice in contemporary art.

David Goodall was a distinguished Australian botanist whose work advanced the understanding of plant aging and ecology. He conducted seminal research on the biochemical processes underlying plant senescence, shaping modern plant physiology. Goodall held academic positions at universities across Australia and internationally, mentoring students and colleagues. An advocate for environmental conservation, he contributed to policy discussions on biodiversity and sustainable ecosystems. At the age of 104, he garnered international attention for choosing to end his life through assisted suicide in Switzerland, sparking global debates on voluntary euthanasia laws. His career spanned nearly eight decades, leaving a profound legacy in botanical sciences.

Alfredo Pérez Rubalcaba was a leading figure in Spain's Socialist Workers' Party (PSOE) and held multiple ministerial posts. Trained as a chemist, he earned a doctorate in organic chemistry before entering politics in the 1970s. He served as Spain's Minister of Education, Minister of the Interior, and Deputy Prime Minister, overseeing counter-terrorism efforts against ETA. Rubalcaba was the PSOE's candidate for Prime Minister in the 2011 elections and later became party secretary-general. Known for his intellect and debating skills, he negotiated key reforms during Spain's financial crisis in the late 2000s. His death in 2019 marked the end of a storied career in both scientific research and public service.

Jim Simons (born April 25, 1938) is an American mathematician and hedge fund manager. He is best known for founding Renaissance Technologies, famed for its pioneering quantitative trading strategies. Before entering finance, Simons had a distinguished academic career, contributing to differential geometry and cryptography. Under his leadership, the Medallion Fund achieved extraordinary returns, becoming one of the most successful hedge funds in history. Beyond finance, Simons is a leading philanthropist, donating over a billion dollars to support scientific research, education, and autism advocacy. His innovative approach bridged mathematics and finance, earning him acclaim as both a scholar and industry titan.