Ernst Mach

Austrian physicist and philosopher

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

Danish golfer and Ryder Cup player
Born
February 18th, 1971 54 years ago

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 Reading

Didi Gregorius

Dutch baseball player and infielder
Born
February 18th, 1990 35 years ago

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 Reading

Martin Marinčin

Slovak ice hockey defenseman
Born
February 18th, 1992 33 years ago

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 Reading

Samuel Fenton Cary

American lawyer and politician
Born
February 18th, 1814 211 years ago
Died
September 29th, 1900 124 years ago — 86 years old

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 Reading

Kristoffer Polaha

American actor, starring in 'North Shore'
Born
February 18th, 1977 48 years ago

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 Reading

Nasir al-Din al-Tusi

Persian scientist and writer
Born
February 18th, 1201 824 years ago
Died
June 26th, 1274 750 years ago — 73 years old

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 Reading

Other People Who Died on February 19th

Samuel Willenberg

Polish-Israeli sculptor and painter
Born
February 16th, 1923 102 years ago
Died
February 19th, 2016 9 years ago — 93 years old

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

Stanley Kramer

Director and producer of impactful films
Born
September 29th, 1913 111 years ago
Died
February 19th, 2001 24 years ago — 87 years old

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 Reading

Multatuli

Dutch author of 'Max Havelaar'
Born
March 2nd, 1820 205 years ago
Died
February 19th, 1887 138 years ago — 66 years old

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 Reading

Dorothe Engelbretsdatter

Norwegian author and poet of Baroque era
Born
January 16th, 1634 391 years ago
Died
February 19th, 1716 309 years ago — 82 years old

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 Reading

Donald Richie

Author and film critic of Japanese cinema
Born
April 17th, 1924 100 years ago
Died
February 19th, 2013 12 years ago — 88 years old

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 Reading

Harris Wittels

American actor and writer on 'Parks and Recreation'
Born
1984 41 years ago
Died
February 19th, 2015 10 years ago — 31 years old

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