November 22

Johannes Crato von Krafftheim (1519–1585) was a renowned German humanist and physician who served as court doctor to emperors Charles V and Maximilian II. Educated at the University of Wittenberg, he was influenced by leading scholars of the Protestant Reformation. Crato authored several medical treatises that advanced the understanding of epidemics and pharmacology in the 16th century. He also championed the humanistic approach in medicine, emphasizing empirical observation and classical learning. His work bridged the gap between traditional Galenic practices and emerging scientific methods. Crato's reputation attracted students and nobles alike, solidifying his place in European medical history. He died in Augsburg, remembered as a pioneering thinker who shaped early modern medicine.

Francis Willughby (1635–1672) was an English ornithologist and ichthyologist celebrated for his pioneering classification methods. Educated at Cambridge alongside John Ray, he conducted extensive field studies, collecting specimens across Britain and Europe. Willughby published groundbreaking works on birds and fishes that introduced systematic descriptions, measurements, and illustrations. His collaboration with Ray laid the foundations for modern taxonomy, influencing later naturalists like Carl Linnaeus. Willughby's meticulous approach emphasized empirical observation and comparative anatomy. Although he died young, his manuscripts were posthumously published by Ray, securing his place in the history of natural science. His legacy is remembered in early scientific societies and the Willughby Library at Trinity College.

Born in Copenhagen in 1787, Rask mastered multiple languages at a young age. He traveled extensively in Europe and Asia to collect linguistic data on Basque, Persian, and other languages. His comparative method anticipated later developments in historical linguistics and the study of language families. Rask published influential grammars of Old Norse, Danish, and Gothic, standardizing philological research. He identified sound laws that contributed to the reconstruction of Proto-Indo-European. He died in 1832, celebrated as one of the founders of modern comparative linguistics.

Cecil Sharp (1859-1924) was a leading folklorist whose fieldwork laid the groundwork for the modern folk revival. He traveled across rural England, collecting and transcribing traditional ballads, melodies, and dance tunes that were in danger of vanishing. Sharp's major publications, such as The English Folk Song: Some Conclusions, made these cultural treasures accessible to wider audiences. He co-founded the English Folk Dance Society to promote the study and performance of traditional dances. His scholarly approach and dedication set standards for folklore research and inspired generations of collectors. Today, Sharp's efforts are celebrated for rescuing a vital part of England's musical heritage.

Louis Néel was born in 1904 in Lyon, France, and pursued studies in engineering and physics, developing an early interest in magnetic phenomena. He made seminal contributions to the understanding of antiferromagnetism and ferrimagnetism, explaining how magnetic moments align in materials. His research laid the foundation for the theory of magnetic domains and their behavior, impacting technology from data storage to electrical engineering. In 1970, Néel was awarded the Nobel Prize in Physics for his fundamental studies of magnetic properties. He held professorships at prestigious institutions and founded research centers that advanced materials science. Néel's work bridged theoretical physics and practical applications, influencing both academic research and industry. He remained active in research and mentorship until his death in 2000, leaving a lasting legacy in the field of magnetism.

Sir Andrew Huxley shared the 1963 Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine with Alan Hodgkin for their groundbreaking research on the electrical properties of nerve fibers. Their Hodgkin–Huxley model provided a quantitative description of nerve conduction and laid the foundation for modern neurobiology. Huxley held prestigious academic posts at institutions including the University of Cambridge, where he mentored future generations of scientists. Throughout his career, he published influential papers on muscle physiology and cellular biophysics. His pioneering work continues to shape our understanding of neuroscience and biophysics.

Baidyanath Misra was born in 1920 and became one of India’s foremost economists. He served as vice chancellor of Utkal University, advancing higher education in his region. In 1998, Misra was appointed Governor of Odisha, contributing to state governance and development. His research on rural economics and development policy influenced national planning strategies. He authored numerous papers and mentored generations of students in economics. Misra’s career spanned seven decades, and he passed away in 2019, leaving a strong academic legacy.

Eugene Stoner was born in 1922 and revolutionized firearm design in the 20th century. As an engineer at ArmaLite, he created the AR-15 rifle, later adopted as the M16 by the U.S. military. Stoner’s lightweight, modular design set new standards for military and civilian firearms. He continued innovating with advanced weapon systems throughout his career. His contributions influenced global small-arms development and modern infantry tactics. He passed away in 1997, remembered as a pioneering figure in weapons engineering.

Born on November 22, 1927, in Soest, Germany, Steven Muller emigrated to the United States after World War II. He joined Johns Hopkins University in 1950 and held various academic posts before becoming its 11th president in 1972. During his tenure, Muller oversaw major expansions in research, international programs, and fundraising. He strengthened the university’s global partnerships and diversified its academic offerings. Muller later served as chancellor and as head of the Carnegie Corporation. His leadership transformed Johns Hopkins into a world-renowned research institution. He died in 2013 at the age of 86.

Staughton Craig Lynd was born on November 22, 1929, in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. He earned his Ph.D. in history from Stanford University and taught at Spelman College before co-founding the Freedom Schools during the Civil Rights Movement. Lynd was a vocal opponent of the Vietnam War and wrote extensively on grassroots democracy and workers’ self-management. His books, including 'Rank and File', influenced generations of activists and scholars. As a lawyer he defended conscientious objectors and labor union members. Lynd’s scholarship and activism spanned decades, emphasizing participatory history and social change. He passed away in 2022 at the age of 92.

Tom West was an American computer engineer and technology executive best known for leading the development of the Data General Eclipse MV/8000, a groundbreaking minicomputer project in the late 1970s. As Vice President of Engineering, West managed a team of engineers under intense time pressure and fierce market competition, a story immortalized in Tracy Kidder's Pulitzer Prize-winning book 'The Soul of a New Machine.' His innovative approach to system architecture and hands-on leadership style set new standards for project management in the tech industry. After his success at Data General, he continued to influence the field through consulting and mentoring emerging technology companies. West's career exemplified the creative spirit and technical rigor that drove the early era of computing innovation. He passed away in 2011, leaving a legacy celebrated by engineers worldwide.

Alan Stern was born in 1957 in New Orleans, Louisiana, and earned his Ph.D. in aerospace engineering and applied mathematics. He has held senior positions at NASA, including serving as Associate Administrator for Science. Stern is best known as the principal investigator for NASA's New Horizons mission, which performed a historic flyby of Pluto in 2015. He has led numerous planetary research projects, investigating comets, asteroids, and Kuiper Belt objects. With over 200 scientific publications to his name, Stern has received awards such as the NASA Distinguished Service Medal. He remains an influential advocate for space exploration and frequently lectures on planetary science topics.