Giovanni Alfonso Borelli
Italian physicist and physiologist

Born
January 28th, 1608
417 years ago
Died
December 31st, 1679
345 years ago — 71 years old
Category
Scientists & Innovators
Country
Italy
Links & References
Contributions to the fields of physiology and physics were significant during the 17th century. Borelli established the foundations of biomechanics by studying the motion of animals and the mechanics of human movement. His work, 'De motiono animalium', detailed observations on muscle contractions and joint movements, leading to a scientific understanding of locomotion. Borelli's theories on the motion of projectiles also contributed to physics, specifically in the study of mechanics. Both research domains left a lasting mark on the scientific community.
Published 'De motiono animalium'
Studied biomechanics and animal motion
Other People Born on January 28th
Pat O'Callaghan
Achieved significant success in the sport of athletics, particularly in hammer throw. Competed in the 1928 Amsterdam Olympic Games, winning a gold medal and becoming the first Irish athlete to secure an Olympic title. Captured a second consecutive Olympic gold medal at the 1932 Los Angeles Games, showcasing exceptional skill and strength. Dominated the national and international hammer throw scene during the 1920s and early 1930s, setting multiple records.
Continue ReadingHenry VII
Ascended to the throne in 1485 after defeating Richard III at the Battle of Bosworth Field. Initiated the Tudor dynasty, which ruled England for over a century. Strengthened the monarchy, established order after the Wars of the Roses, and promoted economic prosperity through trade. Married Elizabeth of York, uniting two rival factions and further solidifying his claim to the throne. His reign saw significant developments in law, government, and architecture, including the establishment of the 'Star Chamber' for legal matters.
Continue ReadingJessica Ennis-Hill
Achieved significant success in athletics, specializing in the heptathlon and hurdles. Competed for Great Britain in various international competitions. Won a gold medal at the 2012 London Olympics in heptathlon, establishing a reputation as one of the leading athletes in the sport. Set multiple national records throughout her career and earned numerous medals at the World Championships and European Championships.
Continue ReadingAngelique Cabral
Born in 1979, this American actress gained recognition for her performance in the comedy series 'Life in Pieces'. She began her acting career in theater and transitioned to television, where she appeared in various roles. In addition to her work on 'Life in Pieces', she also starred in series such as 'Enlisted' and had guest roles in popular shows like 'Brooklyn Nine-Nine'. Her work encompasses both comedies and dramatic roles, showcasing a range of skills throughout her career.
Continue ReadingMichael Hastings
A journalist and author, significant work included 'The Operators', which explored the inner workings of the Afghanistan War and the military's relationships with the media. Hastings' reporting career included contributions to various publications, with a focus on investigative journalism. Coverage brought attention to military policies and practices during significant conflicts. Hastings also engaged in commentary regarding political and military affairs, providing insights that stirred public interest.
Continue ReadingTokugawa Ieshige
Eighth shōgun of the Tokugawa shogunate, ruled from 1745 to 1760. Ascended to power following the early death of his father, Tokugawa Yoshimune. His tenure was marked by relative peace and stability within Japan, continuing the policies established by previous shōguns. His reign is noted for the promotion of agricultural production and the flourishing of culture in Edo, while being characterized by a health decline. Resigned in 1760, passing leadership to his son, Tokugawa Ieharu. Died in 1762.
Continue ReadingOther People Who Died on December 31st
Gérard Debreu
An economist and mathematician contributed significantly to the field of economic theory. Developed the concept of 'general equilibrium' in economics, elaborating on the conditions under which supply equals demand in multiple markets. Published seminal works that combined aspects of mathematics and economics, most notably 'Theory of Value' in 1959. Received the Sveriges Riksbank Prize in Economic Sciences in Memory of Alfred Nobel in 1983 for contributions to understanding market behavior.
Continue ReadingCharles Koechlin
Born in 1867, this composer contributed significantly to the early 20th-century music scene. Understanding modernist tendencies, he explored various styles, integrating elements of impressionism into his works. As an educator, he played a pivotal role in shaping future generations of musicians and composers. His prolific output includes orchestral, chamber, choral, and vocal music, marking him as a significant figure of the time. The work exhibited an innovative approach to harmony and texture, gaining attention from contemporaries and later musicians.
Continue ReadingDonald E. Westlake
An American author and screenwriter contributed significantly to the literary world through over 100 published works. Primarily recognized for writing crime and mystery novels, influenced the genre with clever plots and sharp wit. His most notable work includes the Parker series, featuring the character Parker, a professional thief. Westlake also achieved acclaim in screenwriting, particularly for writing the screenplay for the film adaptation of Richard Stark's novel. He received the Edgar Award multiple times, solidifying his reputation in crime fiction. His writing style combined humor and suspense, appealing to a broad audience.
Continue ReadingRoy Amara
Contributed significant work in the field of futurism and technology forecasting. Played a crucial role in founding the Institute for the Future, which focused on understanding the implications of emerging technologies. Developed the Amara's Law, which states that the impact of technology is often overestimated in the short run but underestimated in the long run. Engaged in research that explored societal changes due to technological advancements, influencing various sectors including education and business.
Continue ReadingThomas Joannes Stieltjes
A mathematician with significant contributions to analysis and the theory of functions, Stieltjes worked extensively on integration and provided a generalization of the Riemann integral, now known as the Stieltjes integral. This framework facilitates the integration process for functions that are not easily handled by traditional methods. Additionally, his work on continued fractions helped advance the field of number theory. Stieltjes held academic positions in both his native Netherlands and France, influencing the study of mathematics in both countries.
Continue ReadingAlbert Plesman
A Dutch businessman established KLM Royal Dutch Airlines in 1919, marking the beginning of scheduled air transportation in the Netherlands. Under leadership, KLM became the world's oldest airline still operating under its original name. Plesman's vision contributed significantly to the development of civil aviation in Europe, and he was instrumental in the international expansion of the airline. His strategic decisions in the early years helped KLM to become a major player in the aviation industry.
Continue Reading