Ernst Mach
Austrian physicist and philosopher

Born
February 18th, 1838
187 years ago
Died
February 19th, 1916
109 years ago — 78 years old
Category
Thinkers & Philosophers
Country
Austria
Links & References
Contributed to the fields of physics and philosophy, focusing on the nature of perception and the propagation of sound. Developed the Mach number, a dimensionless quantity representing the ratio of speed of an object to the speed of sound in the surrounding medium. Explored the relationship between sensory experience and physical phenomena, influencing later developments in both psychology and physics. Served as a professor at the University of Vienna and later at the University of Graz.
Developed the Mach number
Pioneered work in the philosophy of science
Contributed to wave mechanics
Other People Born on February 18th
Alex Ríos
Played Major League Baseball from 2004 to 2015. Debuted with the Toronto Blue Jays and had a successful career with teams including the Chicago White Sox and the Texas Rangers. Achieved a notable season in 2010, finishing with a .315 batting average and earning an All-Star selection. Contributed to the White Sox's playoff run in 2008, helping the team reach the postseason. Also known for his strong defensive skills in the outfield.
Continue ReadingColin Jackson
Born in 1967, this Welsh athlete specialized in sprinting and hurdles. Competing primarily in the 110 meters hurdles, achieved notable success in the late 1980s and 1990s. Claimed a silver medal at the 1988 Seoul Olympics and won gold medals at the World Championships in 1993 and 1999. Set a world record in the 110 meters hurdles in 1993, which stood for a decade. Known for exceptional speed and technique, retired from competitive athletics in 2003 and transitioned into a career as a television presenter and pundit.
Continue ReadingLe'Veon Bell
Played as a running back in the National Football League (NFL) from 2013 to 2021. Spent six seasons with the Pittsburgh Steelers, where he emerged as one of the league's premier running backs. Renowned for exceptional rushing and receiving skills, contributed significantly to the Steelers’ offense. In 2017, earned All-Pro honors and was selected to the Pro Bowl multiple times. Later played for the New York Jets and briefly for the Kansas City Chiefs, winning Super Bowl LIV with the Chiefs.
Continue ReadingJason Maxiell
Played professional basketball as a power forward. Spent the majority of career with the Detroit Pistons after being drafted in 2005. Contributed to the team's success during the mid-2000s. Played a pivotal role in the Pistons reaching the playoffs multiple times and helped secure an Eastern Conference Championship in 2006. Known for strong defensive skills and rebounding ability.
Continue ReadingJ-Hope
Born in 1994, a prominent South Korean rapper, singer-songwriter, dancer, and record producer gained global recognition as a member of the boy band BTS. This artist contributed significantly to BTS's rise with distinctive lyricism and energetic performances. Notably, solo projects include the mixtape 'Hope World' and participation in major collaborations. Achievements include record-breaking album sales and sold-out stadium tours worldwide, showcasing talent within the K-pop genre.
Continue ReadingKristoffer Polaha
An actor became widely recognized for a role in the television series 'North Shore'. Additional appearances in series such as 'Life Unexpected' and 'Ringer' further established presence in the industry. Notable film credits include 'Wonder Woman 1984' and 'The Last Train', showcasing versatility across genres. Featured in Hallmark Channel films, reinforcing popularity in family-oriented storytelling.
Continue ReadingOther People Who Died on February 19th
Robert Fuchs
This individual was an influential composer and educator in late 19th and early 20th century Austria. He pursued formal music studies at the Vienna Conservatory and became a prominent figure in the Viennese music scene. Not only did this composer create numerous orchestral works, chamber music pieces, and Lieder, but he also played a significant role in shaping the next generation of musicians as a professor at the Vienna Conservatory. His works, while often eclipsed by contemporaries, reflected the Romantic style and showcased intricate melodies and harmonies.
Continue ReadingMaurice Garin
An Italian-French cyclist, Garin became the first winner of the Tour de France in 1903, claiming victory in the inaugural edition of the race. His career in cycling began in France, where he quickly gained recognition for his speed and endurance. Over the years, Garin secured multiple victories in prestigious races, establishing a reputation as one of the leading cyclists of his time. He faced challenges, including changes in regulations and competition from other cyclists, yet continued to achieve notable success in his sport. His contributions to cycling remain significant in the history of the Tour de France.
Continue ReadingDonald Richie
An American-Japanese author and film critic, contributed significantly to the understanding of Japanese culture and cinema. Spent much time in Japan, where works reflected deep engagement with the country's film industry. Wrote extensively about Japanese cinema, providing insights that shaped Western appreciation of the medium. Authored several influential books including 'A Hundred Years of Japanese Film', which explored the history and evolution of Japanese filmmaking. His film criticism appeared in various publications and he became a prominent voice in cinematic discourse.
Continue ReadingAlice White
Active during the silent film era, this actress gained recognition for work in romantic and comedic roles. Appeared in over 70 films from the 1920s to the early 1930s, transitioning to sound films but eventually moving into supporting roles. Worked with major studios such as Warner Bros and Columbia Pictures. Continued to perform on stage and in television into the 1950s, showcasing versatility beyond the silver screen.
Continue ReadingKarl Weierstrass
A prominent mathematician, contributions focused on real analysis and function theory. Developed the Weierstrass approximation theorem, a foundational result in the field, which states that any continuous function can be uniformly approximated by polynomials. Taught at multiple universities, influencing the next generation of mathematicians. Established the Weierstrass institute for mathematics in Berlin.
Continue ReadingSamuel Willenberg
A Polish-Israeli artist created impactful sculptures and paintings. Initially imprisoned in a concentration camp during World War II, experience influenced artistic expression. After the war, migrated to Israel and dedicated efforts to telling the stories of Holocaust survivors through art. Participated in numerous exhibitions, showcasing significant works that emphasized the human experience and memory. Engaged in teaching and mentoring young artists, contributing to cultural dialogues within Israel.
Continue Reading