Carl Wilhelm Scheele
Pharmaceutical chemist and discoverer
A pharmaceutical chemist born in Swedish Pomerania, significant in the study of chemistry during the 18th century. Discovered several chemical substances and was instrumental in the advancement of analytical chemistry. Scheele's work led to the identification of essential elements and compounds, including hydrogen, oxygen, and several acids. Worked extensively on the properties of various minerals and metals, contributing to the understanding of chemical reactions and their practical applications.
Discovered oxygen independently of Joseph Priestly
Identified compounds such as hydrogen sulfide and arsenic acid
Other People Born on December 9th
Petr Nedvěd
Czech-Canadian ice hockey player
Born
December 9th, 1971 54 years ago
A professional ice hockey player, participated in the NHL during the late 1990s and early 2000s. Played for several teams including the Vancouver Canucks, New York Rangers, and Edmonton Oilers. Known for contributions to international competitions, representing the Czech Republic in various tournaments, including the IIHF World Championships.
Continue ReadingFritz Haber
Chemist and Nobel Prize laureate
Born
December 9th, 1868 157 years ago
Died
January 29th, 1934 92 years ago — 65 years old
Born in 1868, a chemist contributed significantly to the development of chemical processes and agricultural practices. Developed the Haber-Bosch process for synthesizing ammonia from nitrogen and hydrogen, which revolutionized fertilizer production. This process greatly influenced agricultural productivity worldwide. In 1918, awarded the Nobel Prize in Chemistry for this work. Additionally, worked on chemical warfare during World War I, which sparked ethical controversies surrounding scientific contributions to warfare. Died in 1934.
Continue ReadingCaroline Lucas
Politician and environmental activist
Born
December 9th, 1960 65 years ago
Elected to Parliament in 2010, represented the Green Party. Advocated for environmental issues, including climate change and sustainable energy. Served as the Green Party's first and only Member of Parliament. Contributed to multiple campaigns related to social justice and environmental protection both in Parliament and in public engagements.
Continue ReadingKirsten Gillibrand
American politician and U.S. senator
Born
December 9th, 1966 59 years ago
Elected to the United States Senate in 2009, served as a representative for New York. Advocated for women's rights, military reform, and health care issues. Played a significant role in the Senate committees on Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry, and Armed Services. Previously served in the U.S. House of Representatives, representing New York's 20th congressional district. Appointed to fill the vacancy left by Hillary Clinton, completed the full term and was re-elected multiple times.
Continue ReadingHarvey Barnes
English footballer, Leicester City star
Born
December 9th, 1997 28 years ago
Professional footballer achieved recognition for playing as a winger. Developed through the youth system at Leicester City, made a significant impact in the team, contributing to their FA Cup triumph in 2021. Gained national attention for performances in the Premier League, showcasing speed and skill. Represented the England national team at various youth levels before earning senior caps.
Continue ReadingTip O'Neill
U.S. Politician and House Speaker
Born
December 9th, 1912 113 years ago
Died
January 5th, 1994 32 years ago — 81 years old
Served as a prominent American lawyer and politician. Elected to the United States House of Representatives for Massachusetts in 1952, held leadership positions including Majority Leader before becoming the 55th Speaker of the House in 1977. Advocated for various policies during a career that spanned nearly four decades. Retired from Congress in 1987 and authored a memoir detailing his experiences in government. Passed away in 1994.
Continue ReadingOther People Who Died on May 21st
Lash LaRue
Actor and producer in Western films
Born
June 15th, 1917 108 years ago
Died
May 21st, 1996 29 years ago — 78 years old
An American actor and producer, gained recognition for roles in Western films during the 1940s and 1950s. Starred in movies featuring a distinctive style and an iconic cowboy persona. Appeared in several films and television series that featured classic Western themes. Transitioned into producing, contributing to the development of Western genre cinema.
Continue ReadingPierre Poiret
French mystic and philosopher
Born
1646 380 years ago
Died
May 21st, 1719 306 years ago — 73 years old
Focused on spirituality and the pursuit of knowledge, contributed significantly to philosophical thought during the late 17th and early 18th centuries. Explored concepts of mysticism, the nature of the soul, and the relationship between humanity and the divine. Authored several works that delved into the intersection of faith and reason, impacting the philosophical landscape of the time.
Continue ReadingRajiv Gandhi
Indian politician, 6th Prime Minister
Born
August 20th, 1944 81 years ago
Died
May 21st, 1991 34 years ago — 46 years old
A lawyer and politician, served as the 6th Prime Minister of India from 1984 to 1989. Ascended to office following the assassination of his mother, Indira Gandhi. Focused on modernizing India's telecommunication infrastructure and promoting technology and education. Advocated for various economic reforms during tenure and was instrumental in initiating several significant economic policies.
Continue ReadingOtto von Guericke
Physicist and politician in Germany
Born
November 20th, 1602 423 years ago
Died
May 21st, 1686 339 years ago — 83 years old
Born in 1602, a pioneering physicist and politician contributed significantly to the development of vacuum technology. Designed an air pump that demonstrated the existence of vacuum. Served as the mayor of Magdeburg, focusing on public projects and governance. Engaged in scientific experiments that laid the foundation for future studies in atmospheric pressure and electrostatics.
Continue ReadingLes Aspin
American politician and Secretary of Defense
Born
July 21st, 1938 87 years ago
Died
May 21st, 1995 30 years ago — 56 years old
Served as the 18th United States Secretary of Defense from 1993 to 1994 under President Bill Clinton. Prior to this role, held a seat in the United States House of Representatives for Wisconsin's 1st congressional district from 1971 to 1993. Played a significant role in various defense policies during a time of transition after the Cold War. His governmental career included extensive work on budget and defense issues, contributing to military strategy and readiness.
Continue ReadingJan A. P. Kaczmarek
Polish composer of film scores
Born
1953 73 years ago
Died
May 21st, 2024 1 years ago — 71 years old
A Polish composer recognized for contributions to film music. Composed notable scores for films such as 'Finding Neverland' and 'The Pianist'. Worked extensively in the Polish film industry before achieving international recognition. Received an Academy Award for Best Original Score for 'Finding Neverland' in 2005. Contributed to various film soundtracks, blending classical music with contemporary sounds.
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