Alfred Bird

Chemist and inventor of baking powder

Alfred Bird - Scientists & Innovators born 1811
Born

1811
215 years ago

Died
Category

Scientists & Innovators

Country

United Kingdom

Links & References

An English chemist and businessman, contributed significantly to the culinary world through the invention of baking powder. This invention revolutionized baking by allowing for a lighter texture in baked goods and simplified the process of leavening. Bird also developed a variety of other food products, including egg-free custard powder, suited for those with egg allergies. His innovations greatly influenced the food industry and home baking practices.

Invented baking powder

Developed egg-free custard powder

Other People Who Died on December 15th

Fats Waller

Pianist and composer of 'Ain't Misbehavin''
Born
May 21st, 1904 122 years ago
Died
December 15th, 1943 82 years ago — 39 years old

An influential American pianist and composer emerged in the 1920s and 1930s, contributing significantly to the jazz genre. Combining humor and virtuosity, played in numerous nightclubs in New York City. Composed memorable pieces, many of which became standards in jazz repertoire. Gained recognition for performances both in person and on radio broadcasts, showcasing a playful style that blended elements of stride piano with popular music. Became a prominent figure in Harlem's music scene and influenced countless musicians.

Continue Reading

Wolfgang Pauli

Physicist, Nobel Prize winner
Born
April 25th, 1900 126 years ago
Died
December 15th, 1958 67 years ago — 58 years old

A physicist and academic contributed significantly to quantum mechanics and theoretical physics. Pauli formulated the Pauli exclusion principle, which states that no two fermions can occupy the same quantum state within a quantum system. In 1945, awarded the Nobel Prize in Physics for the discovery of the exclusion principle. Worked at institutions such as the University of Zurich and the Institute for Advanced Study in Princeton, where influences in physics were widely acknowledged. His theories have had lasting implications in quantum theory and particle physics.

Continue Reading

Keith Arbuthnott

Scottish soldier and peer
Born
August 21st, 1897 129 years ago
Died
December 15th, 1966 59 years ago — 69 years old

Born in 1897, served in the British Army during World War I and World War II. Advanced to the rank of Major General. Involved in military operations with notable leadership during key campaigns. Held the title of 15th Viscount of Arbuthnott.

Continue Reading

Owoye Andrew Azazi

Nigerian General and military leader
Born
February 1st, 1952 74 years ago
Died
December 15th, 2012 13 years ago — 60 years old

Born in 1952, a Nigerian general held several key military positions in the Nigerian Army. Served as the Chief of Defence Staff from 2011 until 2012. His military career included pivotal roles in various operations during his tenure. He was appointed the National Security Adviser in 2010. Focused on addressing security challenges in Nigeria during a period marked by threats from insurgencies.

Continue Reading

Alp Arslan

Seljuk Sultan and military leader
Born
January 20th, 1029 997 years ago
Died
December 15th, 1072 953 years ago — 43 years old

Ruled as the second sultan of the Seljuk Empire from 1063 until 1072. Expanded the empire's territory significantly, securing victories against both Byzantine and Fatimid forces. His leadership during the Battle of Manzikert in 1071 led to a decisive defeat of Byzantium, paving the way for Turkish settlement in Anatolia. Alp Arslan was characterized by a commitment to Islamic unity and governance based on justice and equity.

Continue Reading

Paul Lévy

Mathematician and theorems in probability
Born
September 15th, 1886 140 years ago
Died
December 15th, 1971 54 years ago — 85 years old

Contributions to probability theory included foundational work on stochastic processes and Brownian motion. Developed concepts that bear his name, such as Lévy processes. Served as a professor at the Collège de France and influenced the field through published works. In addition, introduced Lévy-Cramér theorem and Lévy continuity theorem, impacting theoretical and practical applications in mathematics.

Continue Reading