Ahmed Zewail
Chemist and Nobel Prize laureate
An Egyptian-American chemist, contributed significantly to the field of femtochemistry, which studies chemical reactions on extremely short timescales. Zewail's work allowed scientists to observe the motion of atoms in a molecule during a chemical reaction. He received the Nobel Prize in Chemistry in 1999 for these pioneering studies. Zewail held a professorship at the California Institute of Technology and actively engaged in initiatives to promote education and science in developing countries.
Received the Nobel Prize in Chemistry in 1999
Pioneered the field of femtochemistry
Other People Born on February 26th
Henry Barwell
Australian politician, 28th Premier of South Australia
Born
February 26th, 1877 148 years ago
Died
September 30th, 1959 66 years ago — 82 years old
Served as the 28th Premier of South Australia from 1933 to 1938. Initiated various reforms in education and local government. Represented South Australia as a member of the Australian Labor Party. Played a significant role in the economic recovery of the state during the Great Depression.
Continue ReadingAlbert VI
Duke of Bavaria, military leader
Born
February 26th, 1584 441 years ago
Died
July 5th, 1666 359 years ago — 82 years old
Born in 1584, served as Duke of Bavaria from 1623 until his death in 1632. Participated in the Thirty Years' War, aligning Bavaria with the Catholic League and engaging in numerous battles against Protestant forces. Under leadership, Bavaria strengthened its military and political position in the Holy Roman Empire. His reign was marked by efforts to consolidate power and expand territorial influence through strategic alliances.
Continue ReadingHenry Molaison
Medical patient in memory research
Born
February 26th, 1926 99 years ago
Died
December 2nd, 2008 17 years ago — 82 years old
Underwent brain surgery in 1953 to treat severe epilepsy, resulting in the removal of portions of the hippocampus. This procedure led to profound amnesia, rendering an inability to form new memories while preserving older ones. The case provided critical insights into the human memory system and served as a foundation for extensive research in neuroscience. His condition was studied by notable psychologists and neurologists, influencing theories related to memory function and brain structure.
Continue ReadingWallace Fard Muhammad
Religious Leader, Founder of Nation of Islam
Born
February 26th, 1893 132 years ago
A religious leader established the Nation of Islam in Detroit, Michigan, in the early 1930s. The organization sought to improve the spiritual, social, and economic conditions of African Americans. Involved in promoting self-sufficiency, the leader emphasized the importance of African American identity and religious beliefs. The figure disappeared under mysterious circumstances in 1934, leaving a lasting legacy in religious circles.
Continue ReadingPyotr Masherov
Leader of Soviet Belarus
Born
February 26th, 1918 107 years ago
Died
1980 46 years ago — 62 years old
Held leadership positions in Soviet Belarus starting in the 1960s. Served as the First Secretary of the Communist Party of Belarus and was a significant figure in the Belarusian government. Contributed to the region's industrial and agricultural development during his tenure. Was a member of the Central Committee of the Communist Party. Died in a car accident in 1976 during a period of political and economic change.
Continue ReadingRudolph Dirks
Illustrator of 'The Katzenjammer Kids'
Born
February 26th, 1877 148 years ago
Died
April 20th, 1968 57 years ago — 91 years old
An illustrator and cartoonist of German-American descent. Created the comic strip 'The Katzenjammer Kids', which debuted in 1897 and became one of the earliest and most influential comic strips in American history. The unique humor and vibrant characters contributed to the popularity of the Sunday comics, influencing many artists and cartoonists in the years to come. Worked in various comic styles and contributed illustrations to other publications throughout a prolific career. Helped establish a distinctive narrative style in comic art, blending humor and social commentary.
Continue ReadingOther People Who Died on August 2nd
Jacques-Étienne Montgolfier
Inventor of the hot air balloon
Born
1745 281 years ago
Died
August 2nd, 1799 226 years ago — 54 years old
Co-invented the hot air balloon alongside his brother Joseph-Michel. The first successful flight of their invention took place on September 19, 1783, in Annonay, France, achieving an altitude of approximately 3,000 feet. The Montgolfier brothers demonstrated their invention publicly, which captured the imagination of audiences and laid the groundwork for future developments in aeronautics. Their contributions significantly advanced the field of flight, marking a pivotal moment in the history of aviation.
Continue ReadingAlfred Lépine
Canadian ice hockey player and coach
Born
July 30th, 1901 124 years ago
Died
August 2nd, 1955 70 years ago — 54 years old
Played as a professional ice hockey player and later transitioned to coaching. Competed in the NHL with teams like the Detroit Red Wings and the Montreal Maroons. Coached several teams after retirement, contributing to the development of the sport. His career included both playing and coaching roles in the mid-20th century ice hockey scene.
Continue ReadingHenry III of France
King of France, Wars of Religion
Born
September 19th, 1551 474 years ago
Died
August 2nd, 1589 436 years ago — 37 years old
Ruled as King of France from 1574 until assassination in 1589. Engaged in the French Wars of Religion, which was a series of civil wars primarily between Catholics and Huguenots. Ruling during a tumultuous period, implemented policies aimed at maintaining peace between the rival factions. Promoted the royal authority and navigated the complexities of a divided nation. His reign is marked by political intrigue and the challenges of unifying a fractured country.
Continue ReadingJoe Carcione
American activist and author
Born
1914 112 years ago
Died
August 2nd, 1988 37 years ago — 74 years old
Contributed to various social causes through writing and activism. Authored books highlighting issues such as social justice and the environment. Engaged in grassroots efforts aimed at raising awareness and encouraging community involvement. Participated in significant rallies and campaigns that sought to influence policy on important societal issues.
Continue ReadingAlexander Graham Bell
Engineer, inventor of the telephone
Born
March 3rd, 1847 178 years ago
Died
August 2nd, 1922 103 years ago — 75 years old
A Scottish-Canadian engineer and inventor, revolutionized communication technology with the invention of the telephone. Formulated the first practical method of transferring vocal sounds over electric wires. Established the Bell Telephone Company, which played a crucial role in expanding telephone services in North America. Contributed to advancements in education for the deaf, co-founding the American Association to Promote the Teaching of Speech to the Deaf. Acted as a leading figure in early telecommunications.
Continue ReadingPope Stephen I
Pope and early Christian martyr
Died
August 2nd, 257 1768 years ago — None years old
Served as Pope from 254 to 257, leading the early Christian Church during a time of persecution under Emperor Valerian. Advocated for the legitimacy of baptism performed by heretics, emphasizing its importance for salvation. His papacy was marked by the establishment of key doctrines that would influence the Church's teachings. Martyrdom occurred during the Valerian persecution, securing a legacy as a holy figure in Christian history.
Continue Reading