John Wesley Hyatt

American engineer and inventor of celluloid

John Wesley Hyatt - American engineer and inventor of celluloid
Born

November 28th, 1837
187 years ago

Died

1920
105 years ago — 83 years old

Category

Scientists & Innovators

Country

United States

Links & References

An American engineer contributed significantly to the invention of synthetic materials. Developed the first practical process for producing celluloid in 1868, which became widely used in various applications, including photography and billiard balls. The innovation in celluloid provided an alternative to ivory and other materials. Hyatt also invented a number of devices related to the production and use of this plastic, which played a vital role in the growing industries of the late 19th and early 20th centuries.

Invented the first practical celluloid

Developed processes for synthetic materials

Other People Born on November 28th

Friedrich Engels

Philosopher and economist, co-authored The Communist Manifesto
Born
November 28th, 1820 204 years ago
Died
August 5th, 1895 129 years ago — 74 years old

A German-English philosopher and economist, contributed significantly to socialist theory, particularly through collaboration with Karl Marx. Authored several works, exploring topics such as capitalism, class struggle, and labor. Co-authored The Communist Manifesto in 1848, a foundational text for modern socialism. Also wrote The Condition of the Working Class in England, which examined the living conditions of workers in the industrial revolution. The partnership with Marx led to the development of dialectical materialism and the principles of communist theory.

Continue Reading

Brooks Atkinson

Theatre critic and columnist
Born
November 28th, 1894 130 years ago
Died
1984 41 years ago — 90 years old

A prominent American theatre critic, served as the chief drama critic for The New York Times from 1925 to 1960. Played a crucial role in shaping public perception of Broadway theatre through insightful reviews. Contributed to arts criticism and literature with various essays and articles, influencing trends in theatrical productions. Authored 'Broadway' in 1949, detailing the evolution of American theatre. Engaged with numerous playwrights and actors, fostering dialogue about the theatrical arts.

Continue Reading

Mike Kostka

Canadian ice hockey player and defenseman
Born
November 28th, 1985 39 years ago

Played in the National Hockey League (NHL) for several teams, including the Toronto Maple Leafs and the Tampa Bay Lightning. He was part of the Chicago Blackhawks organization that won the Stanley Cup in 2013. His collegiate hockey career included a significant tenure with the University of Vermont. Kostka also had a notable career in the American Hockey League (AHL), achieving leadership roles on his teams and contributing to their defensive strategies.

Continue Reading

Anna Nicole Smith

Model and actress; Playmate of the Year
Born
November 28th, 1967 57 years ago
Died
February 8th, 2007 18 years ago — 39 years old

Began a career in modeling, gaining attention as Playmate of the Year in 1993. Transitioned to acting with a prominent role in the movie 'The Hudsucker Proxy' and starred in the reality TV series 'The Anna Nicole Show.' Her life was marked by both personal challenges and significant media coverage. Passed away in February 2007, leaving behind a complex legacy within popular culture.

Continue Reading

Michael Bennet

U.S. Senator and Education Policy Advocate
Born
November 28th, 1964 60 years ago

Served as a U.S. Senator from Colorado since 2009. Prior to the Senate, served as the Superintendent of Denver Public Schools, where implemented reforms to improve education standards. Played a significant role in various legislative initiatives, focusing on healthcare and education policy. Also ran for the Democratic presidential nomination in 2020.

Continue Reading

Alan Lightman

Physicist and author of 'Einstein's Dreams'
Born
November 28th, 1948 76 years ago

An American physicist and novelist, recognized for contributions in both science and literature. Served as a professor of the practice of writing at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology. Wrote various essays and novels exploring the intersection of science and spirituality. The novel 'Einstein's Dreams' gained significant acclaim, weaving together themes of time and relativity through fictional narratives. Engaged in conversations about the philosophical implications of science through public lectures and writings.

Continue Reading