Johann Friedrich Blumenbach

Physician and anthropologist

Johann Friedrich Blumenbach - Scientists & Innovators born May 11th, 1752
Born
Died
Category

Scientists & Innovators

Country

Germany

Links & References

A prominent German physician, physiologist, and anthropologist. Blumenbach significantly contributed to the fields of anthropology and physiology in the late 18th and early 19th centuries. He established a classification system that categorized human races based on skull shape, which played a foundational role in biological anthropology. A key figure in the development of comparative anatomy, he studied various physical characteristics of human populations. His work on the variation of human skulls led to the understanding of racial diversity and human classification. Blumenbach also authored several influential texts that addressed topics in medicine and biology, alongside his contributions to the understanding of human variation and species.

Established a classification system for human races

Authored 'De Generis Humani Varietate Nativa'

Other People Born on May 11th

Catherine Bauer Wurster

Architect and public housing advocate
Born
May 11th, 1905 120 years ago
Died
November 21st, 1964 61 years ago — 59 years old

Significant contributions to architecture included the design and advocacy for public housing in the United States. Played an influential role in shaping policies around urban development and affordable housing. Served as a board member of the American Institute of Architects and contributed to the Federal Housing Administration's guidelines. Participated in the formulation of the United States Housing Act of 1949, which aimed to provide decent housing for all Americans.

Continue Reading

Edsger W. Dijkstra

Computer Scientist; developed Dijkstra's algorithm
Born
May 11th, 1930 95 years ago
Died
August 6th, 2002 23 years ago — 72 years old

A prominent figure in computer science, contributed significantly to algorithms and programming methodologies. Developed Dijkstra's algorithm for shortest paths in graphs, which is essential in networking and routing. Advocated for structured programming through various writings. Worked at several academic institutions, including the University of Texas at Austin and Eindhoven University of Technology. Received the Turing Award in 1972 for contributions to programming languages and algorithms.

Continue Reading

Konsta Helenius

Finnish ice hockey player
Born
May 11th, 2006 19 years ago

A professional ice hockey player from Finland, played as a forward. Won a gold medal with the Finnish national team at the 2023 IIHF World U18 Championships. Known for contributions to HIFK in the Finnish Liiga. Developed skills in various youth teams before advancing to the professional level.

Continue Reading

Rose Ausländer

Ukrainian-German poet and author
Born
May 11th, 1901 124 years ago
Died
January 3rd, 1988 38 years ago — 86 years old

Born in 1901 in Ukraine, this poet faced significant challenges during her life, including the impact of war and displacement. Relocating to Germany in the 1920s, she became a prominent figure in the literary scene. Her poetry often dealt with themes of exile, identity, and the human condition. Her works were influenced by her experiences during World War II and the Holocaust. After the war, she returned to Germany, where she continued to write and publish, gaining recognition in German literature until her death in 1988.

Continue Reading

Charlie Gehringer

Baseball player and manager
Born
May 11th, 1903 122 years ago
Died
January 21st, 1993 33 years ago — 89 years old

An American baseball player and manager, this individual played for the Detroit Tigers from 1924 to 1942. Recognized as a skilled second baseman, he was a key member of the Tigers team that won the World Series in 1945. In addition to his playing career, he served as the team's manager in the mid-1950s. His contributions to baseball earned him induction into the Baseball Hall of Fame in 1949. Gehringer's proficiency at the plate led to a career batting average of .320 and he established several records during his tenure.

Continue Reading

Phil Silvers

American actor and comedian in television
Born
May 11th, 1911 114 years ago
Died
November 1st, 1985 40 years ago — 74 years old

An American actor and comedian gained prominence through performance in the television series 'The Phil Silvers Show,' which aired from 1955 to 1959. This series showcased a con artist in the U.S. Army and earned wide acclaim for its humor and writing. In addition to television, this actor appeared in numerous films, including 'A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Forum' and 'The Horse's Mouth.' His work was characterized by a quick wit and a distinctive style that influenced subsequent generations of comedians.

Continue Reading

Other People Who Died on January 22nd

Johann Gottlob Lehmann

Meteorologist and geologist, created stratigraphy
Born
August 4th, 1719 306 years ago
Died
January 22nd, 1767 259 years ago — 47 years old

Contributed to the fields of meteorology and geology. Formulated principles of stratigraphy, which laid the groundwork for understanding the geological layers of the Earth. Developed methods for classifying minerals and rocks in a systematic way. Published works on geological formations and processes, influencing future geological studies and practices.

Continue Reading

Roy Brown

American clown and puppeteer
Born
September 10th, 1925 100 years ago
Died
January 22nd, 2001 25 years ago — 75 years old

A clown and puppeteer, performed with the Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey Circus. Developed a distinctive style incorporating humor and audience interaction. Contributed to the craft of puppetry through innovative techniques and designs, gaining recognition within the entertainment community.

Continue Reading

Craig Claiborne

Food critic and cookbook author
Born
September 4th, 1920 105 years ago
Died
January 22nd, 2000 26 years ago — 79 years old

An influential food critic and author, played a significant role in shaping American culinary journalism. Served as the food editor for The New York Times for over 30 years. Authored several cookbooks, with 'The New New York Times Cookbook' receiving particular acclaim for modernizing traditional recipes. Championed the importance of food culture and refined American palates through detailed restaurant reviews and culinary criticism.

Continue Reading

William B. Jordan

American art historian and author
Born
May 8th, 1940 85 years ago
Died
January 22nd, 2018 8 years ago — 77 years old

An art historian contributed significantly to the understanding of American art through extensive research and publication. Focused on the works of artists such as Andrew Wyeth and Georgia O'Keeffe, provided insight into their techniques and the contexts of their creations. Held the position of the director at the Phoenix Art Museum for numerous years, guiding educational programs and exhibitions that aimed to expand the appreciation for American art. Engaged in various academic and public discussions, influencing the dialogue surrounding art history and its relevance in contemporary society.

Continue Reading

Fredrik Bajer

Danish educator and Nobel laureate
Born
April 21st, 1837 188 years ago
Died
January 22nd, 1922 104 years ago — 84 years old

An educator and politician, played a significant role in advocating for peace and disarmament. Served as a member of the Danish Parliament and contributed to various educational reforms. Actively participated in international peace movements, earning recognition for efforts towards global harmony. Received the Nobel Peace Prize in 1908 for contributions to promoting peaceful resolutions to conflicts.

Continue Reading

Yordano Ventura

Dominican MLB pitcher with World Series ring
Born
June 3rd, 1991 34 years ago
Died
January 22nd, 2017 9 years ago — 25 years old

A professional baseball pitcher played in Major League Baseball primarily for the Kansas City Royals. Ventura debuted in 2013 and quickly became recognized for a fastball that consistently reached over 100 mph. He contributed significantly to the Royals' 2015 World Series championship, marking the franchise's first title in 30 years. Known for his competitive spirit, Ventura's career was tragically cut short when he died in a car accident in 2017 at the age of 25. The athlete was regarded as a bright talent in the sport, leaving a lasting legacy in the baseball community.

Continue Reading