Asa Packer

American businessman and university founder

Asa Packer - Thinkers & Philosophers born 1805
Born

1805
221 years ago

Died
Category

Thinkers & Philosophers

Country

United States

Links & References

A businessman from Pennsylvania, established a significant fortune in the railroad industry. Founded Lehigh University in 1865, contributing to higher education in the region. Involved in various philanthropic efforts aimed at supporting education and infrastructure development in Pennsylvania. His investments in railroads had a lasting influence on regional commerce.

Founded Lehigh University in 1865

Amassed wealth through railroad investments

Other People Who Died on May 17th

Samuel Clarke

English minister and philosopher
Born
October 11th, 1675 350 years ago
Died
May 17th, 1729 296 years ago — 53 years old

A prominent English minister and philosopher, contributed significantly to the fields of theology and philosophy during the early 18th century. Engaged in debates on metaphysics and ethics, favoring rationalism and the use of logic in religious discourse. Published influential works such as 'A Discourse Concerning the Being and Attributes of God' which discussed the nature of divinity. Clarke also played a role in the development of early modern philosophy, particularly in the areas of free will and moral responsibility.

Continue Reading

Leopold Auenbrugger

Austrian physician and inventor of percussion
Born
November 19th, 1722 303 years ago
Died
May 17th, 1809 216 years ago — 86 years old

A physician developed the technique of percussion for diagnosing diseases. This innovation transformed clinical practices. Initial experiments involved using his own chest as a model to demonstrate the value of tapping and feeling the chest wall to gather diagnostic information. The technique was outlined in a treatise published in 1761, which laid the groundwork for modern physical examination methods. The work emphasized the importance of systematic observation in medicine and was influential in the fields of internal medicine and diagnostics.

Continue Reading

Ernest Nash

Photographer and scholar of photography
Born
September 14th, 1898 127 years ago
Died
May 17th, 1974 51 years ago — 75 years old

Born in Germany and later residing in Italy, a prominent photographer and scholar dedicated to the study and documentation of photography. Contributed significantly to the understanding of photographic techniques and the history of photography. Held academic positions to teach and share knowledge of visual arts. Produced numerous works that explored the interplay between photography and society. Nash's research included a focus on the evolution of photographic practices across different cultures.

Continue Reading

Peter Schulz

German lawyer and Mayor of Hamburg
Born
April 25th, 1930 96 years ago
Died
May 17th, 2013 12 years ago — 83 years old

A lawyer and politician served as the Mayor of Hamburg during the early 1980s. Engaged in local governance, focused on urban issues and public administration. Advocated for policies aimed at improving the quality of life in Hamburg. Contributed to the development of the city's infrastructure and community programs.

Continue Reading

Go-Fushimi

Emperor of Japan during the Nanboku-chō period
Born
1288 738 years ago
Died
May 17th, 1336 689 years ago — 48 years old

Ascended to the throne in 1287, serving as the 96th emperor of Japan during a tumultuous period marked by imperial conflict. The reign was characterized by the Nanboku-chō period, which involved the division of loyalty between competing imperial lines. Go-Fushimi's era included ongoing power struggles, notably between the Northern and Southern courts. After abdication in 1298, remained an influential figure during the continued efforts to unify the imperial seat. Passed away in 1336.

Continue Reading

Jorge Rafael Videla

Argentinian general and President
Born
August 2nd, 1925 100 years ago
Died
May 17th, 2013 12 years ago — 87 years old

Served as the 43rd President of Argentina from 1976 to 1981 following a military coup. Led the country during the Dirty War, a period characterized by widespread human rights abuses. Implemented policies aimed at suppressing dissent and promoting economic reforms. Oversaw actions that resulted in the disappearance and torture of thousands.

Continue Reading