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
Thomas Bjørn
Primarily associated with the sport of golf, a professional golfer achieved significant success on the European Tour. Won the BMW Championship in 1996 and claimed victory at the Danish Open three times. Competed in numerous Ryder Cup matches, contributing to Europe's victories in 1997, 2002, and 2018. In addition to individual accolades, served as the captain of the European team during the 2018 Ryder Cup, guiding the squad to a successful title defense against the United States. Regularly represented Denmark in international competitions, showcasing skills and strategic play throughout a notable career.
Continue ReadingDidi Gregorius
A professional baseball player, predominantly played as an infielder. Began career in Major League Baseball (MLB) with the Cincinnati Reds before becoming a key player for the Arizona Diamondbacks and later the New York Yankees. Contributed to the Yankees' postseason efforts, including the 2017 American League Championship series. Renowned for defensive skills and offensive production, playing a significant role in teams' successes during his tenure.
Continue ReadingMartin Marinčin
Played professional ice hockey primarily as a defenseman. Began career in Slovakia before moving to North America. Played in the National Hockey League (NHL) with teams such as the Toronto Maple Leafs and the Edmonton Oilers. Participated in international competitions, representing Slovakia in several World Championships and contributing to Slovakia's competitive presence in international hockey.
Continue ReadingSamuel Fenton Cary
Born in 1814, a prominent lawyer and politician engaged in the anti-slavery movement. Served in the U.S. House of Representatives from Ohio during the 37th Congress. Advocated for civil rights and was involved in various reform movements. Played a significant role in the establishment of the Southern District of Ohio's court system. Elected as a judge of the Montgomery County Court of Common Pleas. Contributed to the development of legal frameworks supportive of American democracy and individual rights.
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 ReadingNasir al-Din al-Tusi
A Persian scientist and writer contributed significantly to various fields including mathematics, astronomy, and philosophy. Established the Maragha observatory, which was one of the most advanced astronomical research centers of its time. Authored major works such as 'Tadhkirat al-Hakim' which outlined comprehensive theories in astronomy and philosophy. His influence extended to later scientists in the Islamic Golden Age and into the European Renaissance.
Continue ReadingOther People Who Died on February 19th
Samuel 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 ReadingStanley Kramer
Directed and produced numerous films that addressed social issues and human rights. Worked on notable projects such as 'Guess Who's Coming to Dinner', which tackled racial tensions, and 'On the Beach', depicting post-apocalyptic themes. Contributed to the film industry with a focus on storytelling that highlighted moral dilemmas. Received multiple Academy Award nominations throughout his career, reflecting significant recognition in the film industry.
Continue ReadingMultatuli
An influential author and civil servant, this individual wrote the novel 'Max Havelaar' in 1860, which criticized Dutch colonial practices in Indonesia. The work became a significant piece of literature in the fight against colonialism and highlighted the exploitation of native populations. In addition to literary contributions, this author engaged in political and social activism, advocating for reform in Dutch colonial policies. His writings have served as a foundation for modern post-colonial studies and continue to be studied for their cultural and historical relevance.
Continue ReadingDorothe Engelbretsdatter
Contributed significantly to Baroque literature in Norway. Authored several poems and religious texts that reflected the themes of her time. Her works often emphasized faith, morality, and the struggles of life. Engelbretsdatter is credited with the first published book of poetry by a Norwegian woman, marking a significant moment in Norwegian literary history. She also worked as a translator, bringing various texts to the Norwegian audience. Engelbretsdatter lived during the 17th century in a time when women's literary contributions were often overlooked.
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 ReadingHarris Wittels
An American actor, producer, and screenwriter contributed significantly to television comedy. Best known for work on the series 'Parks and Recreation', served as a writer and executive producer. Additionally, created the podcast 'Harris Wittels' and 'Analyze Phish'. Worked on various comedy shows, including 'Eastbound & Down' and 'The Process'.
Continue Reading