July 02

Thomas Harriot (1560–1621) was an English polymath who made significant contributions to astronomy, mathematics, and ethnography. He conducted the earliest known telescopic observations of the moon, preceding Galileo's work by months. Harriot developed algebraic notation in England and advanced the study of navigation through mathematical tables. He accompanied expeditions to Virginia, documenting Native American languages and customs in detail. His unpublished manuscripts contained pioneering ideas in optics, economics, and geography. Although many of his works remained unpublished during his lifetime, Harriot's research influenced later scientific thinkers.

Samuel Hahnemann was a German physician and the founder of homeopathy. He studied medicine at the University of Erlangen and practiced in Dresden before moving to Paris. In 1810, he published the Organon of the Rational Healing Art, outlining his theories of 'like cures like' and ultra-dilution. Despite controversy, his methods attracted followers and led to the establishment of homeopathic schools across Europe. Hahnemann's work laid the foundation for alternative medicine and remains influential in integrative healthcare today.

Émile Coué was a French psychotherapist and pharmacist best known for his method of autosuggestion. He discovered the power of positive affirmation, coining the phrase 'Every day, in every way, I'm getting better and better.' Coué held public clinics and published his theories, gaining international followers. His work laid the groundwork for modern self-improvement and cognitive therapy techniques. Coué's legacy endures in motivational psychology and popular self-help practices.

Vibert Elizabeth Douglas (December 26, 1894 – July 2, 1988) was a trailblazing Canadian astronomer renowned for her research in meteor physics. She became the first Canadian woman to receive a Ph.D. in astronomy and later served as president of the Royal Astronomical Society of Canada. Douglas conducted significant studies on meteor showers and spectroscopic analysis, advancing understanding of cometary debris. Beyond research, she led public outreach at the Dominion Observatory and championed women's participation in science. Her legacy endures through scholarships and awards established in her name to support aspiring astronomers.

Angelo Mangiarotti studied architecture at the Polytechnic University of Milan, later joining its faculty as a professor.\nHe was admired for his minimalist aesthetic, integrating concrete, steel, and glass in bold structural forms.\nMangiarotti's projects ranged from residential buildings to industrial facilities, each reflecting a sculptural approach to architecture.\nHe also designed furniture and industrial products, applying architectural principles to everyday objects.\nAs an academic, he mentored generations of architects and published influential research on design methodology.\nHe died on July 2, 2012, leaving a diverse legacy that bridged art, design, and engineering.

Born in 1921, she became one of the first women to earn a doctorate in archaeology in the US. Focused her research on Amazon basin pottery and the development of Pre-Columbian societies. Served as curator at the Smithsonian's National Museum of Natural History, leading numerous field projects. Introduced influential theories on ecological constraints in cultural development. Published extensively and mentored generations of archaeologists worldwide. Her pioneering work reshaped our understanding of South American prehistory.

Born in 1925, Engelbart earned his PhD at UC Berkeley and joined SRI International. In 1968, he gave the 'Mother of All Demos' unveiling the computer mouse, hypertext, and collaborative tools. Led the Augmentation Research Center to pioneer human-computer interaction technologies. His invention of the mouse transformed the way users interact with computers. Awarded the National Medal of Technology for his groundbreaking contributions. His vision laid the foundation for modern personal computing and the internet age.

Born in Wales in 1933, he earned his PhD in chemistry before moving to the United States. Selected by NASA as part of its 1967 scientist-astronaut group. Conducted research on materials science under microgravity conditions. Held academic positions, teaching chemistry and mentoring students. Published significant papers in physical chemistry and materials research. His dual career bridged pioneering space science and academic scholarship.

Born in Zaragoza in 1934, he earned his doctorate in physics at the University of Zaragoza. Specialized in semiconductor physics and Raman scattering techniques. Served as director of the Max Planck Institute for Solid State Research in Germany. Published over 500 articles and several influential textbooks in solid-state physics. Co-founded European physical societies and fostered international collaborations. Recipient of high honors including the German Order of Merit for scientific achievement.

Born in 1925, he completed his PhD at Princeton under John von Neumann. Co-formulated the Kuhn–Tucker conditions, a cornerstone of nonlinear programming. Served on the faculty at Princeton University and led RAND's Mathematical Programming Group. Published foundational works in game theory, optimization, and operations research. Held leadership roles including president of SIAM and editor of key journals. Honored with the John von Neumann Theory Prize for his profound influence on mathematics.

Ángela Jeria dedicated her career to the study of pre-Columbian cultures in Chile, earning respect as an archaeologist. After the 1973 military coup, she became a leading human rights advocate, organizing support for victims of political repression and enduring her own detention and exile. Jeria authored memoirs and gave lectures recounting her experiences, which informed Chilean memory and justice processes. She supported her daughter Michelle Bachelet's rise to the presidency and remained an influential moral voice for democracy and social justice. Jeria continued her work in academia and activism until her death in 2020.