John Pinkerton

Scottish antiquarian and cartographer

John Pinkerton - Scottish antiquarian and cartographer
Born

February 17th, 1758
267 years ago

Died

March 10th, 1826
199 years ago — 68 years old

Category

Thinkers & Philosophers

Country

Scotland

Links & References

Born in 1758, this individual contributed significantly to the fields of antiquarian studies and cartography. He authored various works that explored historical geography and numismatics. Notable works include 'Ancient Scottish Poems' and 'A Modern Atlas'. His contributions to map-making include the development of accurate maps of Scotland that were recognized for their detail and precision. His studies also encompassed historical texts, providing insights into Scotland’s past and cultural heritage.

Authored 'Ancient Scottish Poems'

Created detailed maps of Scotland

Published 'A Modern Atlas' enhancing cartographic knowledge

Other People Born on February 17th

Michael Frolík

Czech ice hockey forward
Born
February 17th, 1988 37 years ago

A professional ice hockey player from the Czech Republic, played primarily as a forward. Initiated a career in the Czech leagues before transitioning to the NHL, where contributions included time with the Chicago Blackhawks, winning the Stanley Cup in 2013. Participated in several international competitions, representing the Czech Republic in multiple World Championships and the Olympics.

Continue Reading

Jen-Hsun Huang

Co-Founder of Nvidia Corporation
Born
February 17th, 1963 62 years ago

Co-founded Nvidia Corporation, a leading technology company known for revolutionizing the graphics processing unit (GPU) industry. Received recognition for contributions to computer graphics, including development of the NVIDIA GeForce series, which transformed gaming and professional visualization. Oversaw growth of Nvidia from a startup to a major player in artificial intelligence and deep learning technologies, further expanding its reach into data centers and automotive markets. Under leadership, Nvidia pioneered advancements in graphics technology and AI.

Continue Reading

Arthur Kennedy

American actor in film and theater
Born
February 17th, 1914 111 years ago
Died
January 5th, 1990 35 years ago — 75 years old

An American actor had a prolific career spanning several decades in both film and theater. Achieved critical acclaim for performances in various genres, particularly in dramatic roles. Appeared in celebrated productions on Broadway, showcasing remarkable acting skills that earned several accolades. Featured prominently in films such as 'The Best Years of Our Lives', gaining recognition for exceptional artistry. Worked alongside numerous prominent filmmakers and actors, leaving a lasting impression in the industry.

Continue Reading

Sadegh Hedayat

Iranian-French author and translator
Born
February 17th, 1903 122 years ago
Died
1951 74 years ago — 48 years old

An influential Iranian author and translator, this individual is recognized for contributions to Persian literature. The most notable work includes the novel "Blind Owl," which explores themes of existentialism and despair. The author's literary career also involved translating works from French to Persian, enriching the cultural dialogue between the two languages and countries. Considered a pivotal figure in modern Persian literature, the individual faced significant personal struggles, leading to a tragic end to his life in Paris.

Continue Reading

Aaron Montgomery Ward

Businessman, founder of Montgomery Ward
Born
February 17th, 1843 182 years ago
Died
1913 112 years ago — 70 years old

An American businessman founded Montgomery Ward, a pioneering mail-order retailer. The company focused on providing rural customers access to various goods, revolutionizing the shopping experience in the late 19th century. The introduction of the mail-order catalog allowed customers to purchase items from the comfort of their homes, significantly impacting retail practices.

Continue Reading

Don Tallon

Australian cricketer and wicketkeeper
Born
February 17th, 1916 109 years ago
Died
September 7th, 1984 41 years ago — 68 years old

Played first-class cricket for Queensland and represented Australia in Test matches between 1938 and 1946. Tallon was part of the Australian team that claimed the 1948 Ashes series against England. Known for exceptional skills as a wicketkeeper, Tallon contributed to the team's success with both glove work and batting support. After retiring, he also served as a selector for Queensland.

Continue Reading

Other People Who Died on March 10th

Yevgeny Zamyatin

Russian author and playwright of We
Born
February 1st, 1884 141 years ago
Died
March 10th, 1937 88 years ago — 53 years old

An influential writer and political thinker, this individual made significant contributions to fiction and anti-totalitarian literature. Famous for the dystopian novel 'We', published in 1924, the narrative critiques totalitarianism through a futuristic setting. He also worked as a journalist, engaging with political discourse and the societal issues of early 20th-century Russia. His writings often faced censorship, leading to his eventual exile. The themes of individualism and freedom in his works have inspired many subsequent writers and thinkers.

Continue Reading

Rembert Dodoens

Flemish botanist known for herbal texts
Born
June 29th, 1517 508 years ago
Died
March 10th, 1585 440 years ago — 67 years old

A Flemish physician and botanist, this figure contributed significantly to botanical science in the 16th century. The compilation of works included 'Cruydeboeck', a comprehensive herbal text that cataloged various plants and their medicinal uses. Herbal knowledge during this period was limited, and this work synthesized ideas from earlier scholars and his own observations. The text was widely circulated in Europe and influenced herbal medicine and botany for generations. Additionally, the figure’s insights into plant classification contributed to the later development of botanical nomenclature.

Continue Reading

Anita Brookner

English novelist and art historian
Born
July 16th, 1928 97 years ago
Died
March 10th, 2016 9 years ago — 87 years old

A prolific novelist and art historian, contributed significantly to literature and art criticism. Authored several novels, with notable works including 'Hotel du Lac', which won the Booker Prize in 1984. Wrote extensively on art history, analyzing the works of prominent artists and carrying out detailed critiques in various publications. Served as a professor of art history at the Courtauld Institute of Art, where teachings encompassed modern French art and its influences. The ability to intertwine personal experience with broader concepts in literature marked the writing style.

Continue Reading

Andy Gibb

Singer-songwriter and actor
Born
March 5th, 1958 67 years ago
Died
March 10th, 1988 37 years ago — 30 years old

Born in England and later moved to Australia, achieved widespread fame in the late 1970s as a pop singer. Rose to prominence with hits such as 'I Just Want to Be Your Everything' and 'Shadow Dancing.' Additionally, contributed to the music scene as a member of the Gibb family, which included the Bee Gees. Gained recognition as an actor through appearances on television shows, including the popular series 'Solid Gold.'

Continue Reading

Frank Sherwood Rowland

Chemist and Nobel Prize laureate
Born
June 28th, 1927 98 years ago
Died
March 10th, 2012 13 years ago — 84 years old

An American chemist and academic contributed significantly to the understanding of atmospheric chemistry. Rowland’s research focused on the depletion of the ozone layer caused by chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs). This work led to international policy changes to protect the ozone layer. Rowland served as a professor at the University of California, Irvine, where he conducted much of his pivotal research. In 1995, Rowland received the Nobel Prize in Chemistry for this groundbreaking work alongside Mario J. Molina and Paul Crutzen.

Continue Reading

Frits Zernike

Dutch physicist, Nobel Prize winner
Born
July 16th, 1888 137 years ago
Died
March 10th, 1966 59 years ago — 77 years old

A physicist and academic from the Netherlands, contributions focused on optics and the development of phase contrast microscopy. This innovation allowed for the study of transparent biological specimens without fixation or staining, enhancing microscopy techniques. The work led to recognition and receiving the Nobel Prize in Physics in 1953 for the invention of the phase contrast microscope, which significantly advanced biological and medical research.

Continue Reading