James Edward Smith
Botanist and entomologist, author of Flora Britannica
Born
Died
Category
Scientists & Innovators
Country
United Kingdom
Links & References
An English botanist and entomologist contributed significantly to the study of plants and insects. Founded the Linnæan Society of London in 1788, which promoted the study of natural history. Bestowed the honorary title of Fellow of the Royal Society in recognition of significant contributions to botany. Authored 'Flora Britannica', providing extensive information about British plants. Edited and published the works of Carl Linnaeus and ensured the dissemination of botanical knowledge.
Founded the Linnæan Society of London
Authored Flora Britannica
Edited Linnaeus's works
Other People Born on December 2nd
Adam Kreek
Canadian Rower and Olympic Champion
Born
December 2nd, 1980 45 years ago
Competed in rowing, specializing in the men's eight and four events. Achieved a gold medal at the 2008 Beijing Olympic Games as a member of the Canadian men's eight team. Also secured a silver medal at the 2007 World Rowing Championships. Contributed to the sport through coaching and mentoring young athletes after retiring from competitive rowing.
Continue ReadingElse Marie Pade
Danish composer and electronic music pioneer
Born
December 2nd, 1924 101 years ago
Died
2016 10 years ago — 92 years old
A prominent composer, contributions spanned both traditional and electronic music realms. Studied at the Royal Danish Academy of Music, where foundational skills in composition were developed. Pade's work included pioneering efforts in electronic music, utilizing various technologies to create innovative soundscapes. Collaborated with the Danish Radio and participated in the development of electronic music in Denmark. Several compositions integrated nature and movement into sound, showcasing unique blending of the acoustic and electronic domains.
Continue ReadingGeorge Minot
Physician, Nobel Prize laureate
Born
December 2nd, 1885 140 years ago
Died
February 25th, 1950 76 years ago — 64 years old
A prominent American physician and academic. Conducted groundbreaking research on anemia, particularly related to liver extracts. Shared the 1934 Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine for discoveries concerning the treatment of pernicious anemia. Served as professor at Harvard Medical School and made significant contributions to medical education. Influenced future research directions in hematology and nutrition.
Continue ReadingThomas Pöck
Austrian ice hockey player and Olympian
Born
December 2nd, 1981 44 years ago
An ice hockey player competed for Austria in international tournaments. Played in the NHL for the New York Islanders and the Boston Bruins. Also competed in the IIHF World Championships and the Winter Olympics. His career in professional ice hockey spanned several leagues, including the Austrian league, where notable contributions were made.
Continue ReadingManohar Joshi
Indian politician and Chief Minister
Born
December 2nd, 1937 88 years ago
Died
2024 2 years ago — 87 years old
Served as the 15th Chief Minister of Maharashtra from 1995 to 1999. Held key positions in the Shiv Sena party and contributed to regional political dynamics throughout a lengthy career. Active in legal and political arenas, addressing issues related to governance in Maharashtra. Engaged in various development initiatives during the term as Chief Minister, focusing on infrastructure and public services.
Continue ReadingErima Harvey Northcroft
New Zealand soldier and judge
Born
December 2nd, 1884 141 years ago
Died
October 10th, 1953 73 years ago — 68 years old
Born in 1884, a prominent soldier, lawyer, and judge in New Zealand. During World War I, served with distinction as a soldier. Returned to New Zealand post-war to continue a career in law, eventually becoming a judge in the High Court. Contributed to legal reforms and served in various legal capacities throughout the years.
Continue ReadingOther People Who Died on March 17th
Lance Reddick
Actor known for The Wire and Fringe
Born
June 7th, 1962 64 years ago
Died
March 17th, 2023 3 years ago — 60 years old
An American actor gained prominence through roles in several acclaimed television series and films. Reddick portrayed Cedric Daniels in the HBO series The Wire, which aired from 2002 to 2008, and played Phillip Broyles in the science fiction series Fringe from 2008 to 2013. His career also included voice work in video games and animated series, showcasing a range of talents. Reddick's performances were marked by a commanding presence and emotional depth, leading to critical acclaim across his work in both television and cinema.
Continue ReadingGeorge Parker
English astronomer and politician
Born
1695 331 years ago
Died
March 17th, 1764 262 years ago — 69 years old
Served as the 2nd Earl of Macclesfield and made significant contributions to astronomy. Established the Macclesfield Observatory, which became a leading center for astronomical research in the 18th century. Actively engaged in politics, representing the interests of his constituents.
Continue ReadingDai Li
Chinese general of the Nationalist Army
Born
1897 129 years ago
Died
March 17th, 1946 80 years ago — 49 years old
A prominent general in the Nationalist Army during the Second Sino-Japanese War, played a significant role in military operations and strategies against Japanese forces. Established and led the Military Intelligence Service, contributing to intelligence efforts for the Nationalists. After the war, involved in the Chinese Civil War before relocating and facing challenges in later years due to political changes.
Continue ReadingPhan Văn Khải
Vietnamese Prime Minister, 2001-2006
Born
1933 93 years ago
Died
March 17th, 2018 8 years ago — 85 years old
Served as the fifth Prime Minister of Vietnam from 2001 to 2006. Played a key role in the country's economic reforms and integration into the global economy. Oversaw significant events such as Vietnam's entry into the World Trade Organization and hosted the 2006 APEC Summit in Hanoi. His leadership focused on advancements in trade and investment.
Continue ReadingRobert Chambers
Scottish geologist and publisher
Born
July 10th, 1802 224 years ago
Died
March 17th, 1871 155 years ago — 68 years old
A Scottish geologist and publisher co-founded Chambers Harrap, a notable publishing house which published works in geology and other sciences. Chambers authored 'Vestiges of the Natural History of Creation' in 1844, a controversial work that provided early arguments for evolutionary theory and garnered significant attention during its time. His contributions to geology were influential in the Victorian era, fostering public interest in scientific inquiry. Chambers also published a range of reference works and encyclopedias, impacting education in various fields.
Continue ReadingGiuliano de' Medici
Italian nobleman and Renaissance patron
Born
October 25th, 1453 573 years ago
Died
March 17th, 1516 510 years ago — 62 years old
An Italian nobleman and member of the prominent Medici family, played a significant role in the politics and culture of Renaissance Florence. As a patron of the arts, he supported renowned artists such as Michelangelo and Botticelli. His involvement in Florentine politics included serving as the Duke of Nemours. Giuliano's life was marked by the power struggles of the Medici family, and he was assassinated in a plot known as the Pazzi Conspiracy, which aimed to eliminate Medici influence in Florence.
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