Elias Ashmole
Astrologer and politician with antiquities journal
An English astrologer and politician, contributed significantly to the study of astrology and antiquities. Served as a key figure in the founding of the Ashmolean Museum in Oxford, becoming one of the earliest public museums in the world. Authored 'Theatrum Chemicum Brittanicum', a compilation of alchemical texts, which remains a crucial resource for historians of chemistry and astrology. His interest in antiquities led to notable contributions to the historical understanding of various artifacts.
Founded the Ashmolean Museum in 1683
Authored 'Theatrum Chemicum Brittanicum'
Other People Born on May 23rd
Sam Timmins
New Zealand Basketball Player
Born
May 23rd, 1997 28 years ago
Participated in the National Basketball League, playing for the Canterbury Rams. Contributed to the team's performance during the 2018 NBL season. Represented New Zealand in international competitions, including the Under-19 World Championship. Played college basketball at the University of Washington, where he developed skills that enhanced his professional career.
Continue ReadingEdward Norton Lorenz
Mathematician and Meteorologist, Chaos Theory
Born
May 23rd, 1917 108 years ago
Died
April 16th, 2008 18 years ago — 90 years old
Contributions to mathematics and meteorology included pioneering work in chaos theory and developing the concept of sensitive dependence on initial conditions, often referred to as the 'butterfly effect'. Developed numerical weather prediction models that enhanced meteorological practices. Contributions laid the groundwork for further advancements in dynamical systems and complexity science.
Continue ReadingZalman King
Actor and director of erotic films
Born
May 23rd, 1941 84 years ago
Died
February 3rd, 2012 14 years ago — 70 years old
An actor, director, and producer, contributed significantly to the genre of erotic cinema. Created and produced the television series "Red Shoe Diaries," which became a cult classic. Directed and produced the film "9½ Weeks," a notable work that explored themes of sensuality. Worked on various other film and television projects throughout a career spanning several decades.
Continue ReadingNikolai Vekšin
Sailor and Captain of Estonian origin
Born
May 23rd, 1887 138 years ago
Died
January 15th, 1951 75 years ago — 63 years old
Started sailing at an early age, Vekšin became a prominent figure in maritime navigation and exploration. Participated in various sea expeditions and contributed to the development of sailing techniques. Served as a captain, leading numerous voyages across challenging waters, demonstrating skill and resilience. His experiences at sea contributed to his esteemed reputation within the sailing community. Vekšin's legacy includes a focus on maritime safety and navigation, influencing future generations of sailors until his death in 1951.
Continue ReadingThoralf Skolem
Mathematician and logician, Skolem's Paradox
Born
May 23rd, 1887 138 years ago
Died
March 23rd, 1963 63 years ago — 75 years old
A mathematician and logician contributed significantly to mathematical logic and model theory. Developed Skolem's Paradox, a result dealing with the limitations of first-order logic in relation to set theory. Worked on the foundations of mathematics, contributing to the understanding of countable and uncountable models. Engaged in research that influenced the fields of algebra and topology. Published various important papers that laid the groundwork for future developments in these areas.
Continue ReadingEpitácio Pessoa
Brazilian politician and former president
Born
May 23rd, 1865 160 years ago
Died
February 13th, 1942 84 years ago — 76 years old
A lawyer and judge, held the office of 11th President of Brazil from 1919 to 1922. Oversaw a period of relative political stability and economic progress in the country. Developed policies that promoted infrastructure improvements and modernization of the Brazilian economy. Involved in various legal and political reforms during tenure as president, shaping the future governance of Brazil.
Continue ReadingOther People Who Died on May 18th
Pierre-Gilles de Gennes
Physicist, Nobel Prize laureate.
Born
October 24th, 1932 93 years ago
Died
May 18th, 2007 18 years ago — 74 years old
A prominent physicist and academic, contributions focused on condensed matter physics and liquid crystals. Played a pivotal role in the development of the theory of liquid crystals and polymers. Awarded the Nobel Prize in Physics in 1991 for discovering that methods developed for studying order phenomena in simple systems can be generalized to more complex forms of matter, in particular to liquid crystals and polymers.
Continue ReadingChukwuedu Nwokolo
Nigerian physician and academic leader
Born
1921 105 years ago
Died
May 18th, 2014 11 years ago — 93 years old
Contributed to the field of medicine as a physician and academic, with a focus on clinical research and health care development in Nigeria. Worked extensively on advancing medical education and improving health services. Involved in numerous initiatives aimed at enhancing the healthcare system and trained a generation of medical professionals. Participated in various workshops and conferences to share knowledge and expertise in the medical community.
Continue ReadingAleksei Balabanov
Russian Director and Screenwriter, Brother
Born
1959 67 years ago
Died
May 18th, 2013 12 years ago — 54 years old
A prominent director and screenwriter, contributed significantly to Russian cinema. Achieved renown with films such as 'Brother' and 'Brother 2', which garnered critical acclaim and commercial success. Created a unique style characterized by dark humor and social commentary. Worked extensively within the Russian film industry, influencing a generation of filmmakers. His films often explored themes of morality, crime, and the human condition, reflecting the tumultuous societal changes in Russia during the 1990s.
Continue ReadingJacques Marquette
French explorer of North America
Born
June 1st, 1637 388 years ago
Died
May 18th, 1675 350 years ago — 37 years old
A French Jesuit missionary and explorer, filled a pivotal role in the early exploration of North America. Arrived in Canada in 1666 and established missions among Indigenous peoples. In 1673, conducted a significant expedition down the Mississippi River with Louis Jolliet, mapping vast territories and engaging with various Native American tribes. The exploration revealed the potential of the Mississippi as a trade route and contributed to European interest in the region. Died in 1675 while on a mission to retrace the Mississippi River's course, leaving a legacy of exploration and religious outreach.
Continue ReadingTony O'Reilly
Rugby player and businessman
Born
May 7th, 1936 90 years ago
Died
May 18th, 2024 1 years ago — 88 years old
Played rugby union for Ireland and represented the British and Irish Lions on their 1959 tour to Australia and New Zealand. Transitioned to a successful business career, leading the H.J. Heinz Company as the managing director of its Irish operations. O'Reilly became a prominent media figure, acquiring a controlling interest in Independent News & Media, which published several major newspapers and media outlets in Ireland.
Continue ReadingJim Brown
American football player and actor
Born
February 17th, 1936 90 years ago
Died
May 18th, 2023 2 years ago — 87 years old
An American football player and actor, celebrated as one of the greatest running backs in NFL history. Played for the Cleveland Browns from 1957 to 1965, revolutionizing the position with his powerful running style and agility. Achieved three MVP awards and won the NFL Championship in 1964. Transitioned to acting after retirement, featuring in films such as 'The Dirty Dozen' and 'Any Given Sunday'.
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