Joseph Petzval

Mathematician known for lens theory

Joseph Petzval - Mathematician known for lens theory
Born

January 6th, 1807
218 years ago

Died

1891
134 years ago — 84 years old

Category

Scientists & Innovators

Country

Hungary

Links & References

A mathematician and physicist, contributed significantly to the field of optics and the development of photographic lenses. Proposed the Petzval lens design in 1840, which greatly enhanced image quality in photography. Worked on the mathematics related to optical systems and made advancements in the understanding of image formation. His work laid foundational principles for modern photography and lens manufacturing.

Developed the Petzval lens design

Contributed to the mathematics of optics

Other People Born on January 6th

Pat Connaughton

Basketball player for the Milwaukee Bucks
Born
January 6th, 1993 32 years ago

Played college basketball at Notre Dame, where averaged 13.8 points per game. Entered the NBA in 2015 and signed with the Portland Trail Blazers. Later joined the Milwaukee Bucks in 2018, contributing to the team's victory in the 2021 NBA Championship. Connaughton is also a former professional baseball player, having been drafted by the Baltimore Orioles in 2014.

Continue Reading

Charles Sumner

American politician and abolitionist leader
Born
January 6th, 1811 214 years ago
Died
March 11th, 1874 151 years ago — 63 years old

A prominent American lawyer and politician, this individual played a key role in the abolitionist movement and served as a U.S. Senator from Massachusetts. Advocacy for civil rights and opposition to the expansion of slavery defined a substantial part of his career. This politician delivered powerful speeches, including the famous 'The Barbarism of Slavery' address, which highlighted the moral issues surrounding slavery. His strong stance against the Kansas-Nebraska Act and his involvement in the Free Soil Party contributed to the growing tensions leading up to the Civil War. This individual was also notable for being a victim of a brutal assault by a fellow congressman on the Senate floor due to his anti-slavery views.

Continue Reading

Maria of Yugoslavia

Queen of Yugoslavia, royal consort
Born
January 6th, 1900 125 years ago
Died
1961 64 years ago — 61 years old

Born into the royal family of Greece, served as Queen consort of Yugoslavia from 1922 until the monarchy's abolition in 1945. Engaged in charitable work and supported various cultural initiatives during her reign. After World War II, lived in exile, maintaining ties with her family and the Yugoslav diaspora.

Continue Reading

Claude Favre de Vaugelas

French educator and language critic
Born
January 6th, 1595 430 years ago
Died
1650 375 years ago — 55 years old

An influential figure in the development of the French language during the 17th century. Issued judgments on grammar and usage, emphasizing purity in language. Contributed to the elevation of French as a language of culture and intellectual discourse. Engaged in courtier activities within the French royal court and participated in discussions regarding language standardization.

Continue Reading

Earl Scruggs

Banjo player and bluegrass musician
Born
January 6th, 1924 101 years ago
Died
2012 13 years ago — 88 years old

Born in 1924, a banjo player, played a crucial role in popularizing bluegrass music. Developed a three-finger picking style that revolutionized the instrument's playing technique. Formed a prominent duo with guitarist Lester Flatt, creating influential music in the genre. Their band, The Foggy Mountain Boys, produced iconic recordings, including the instrumental 'Foggy Mountain Breakdown,' which gained significant acclaim and was featured in the film 'Bonnie and Clyde.' Scruggs also contributed to the creation of the Earl Scruggs Revue, which blended bluegrass with rock and folk music. Throughout a long career, received several accolades, including multiple Grammy Awards and induction into the International Bluegrass Music Hall of Fame.

Continue Reading

Valeriy Lobanovskyi

Football manager, led Dynamo Kyiv
Born
January 6th, 1939 86 years ago
Died
May 13th, 2002 22 years ago — 63 years old

A prominent football manager and former player, achieved significant success with Dynamo Kyiv. Managed the club during its most successful periods in the 1970s and 1980s. Transitioned to coaching, focused on implementing innovative training methods and tactical systems. Under management, Dynamo Kyiv won multiple Soviet league titles and UEFA Cup Winners' Cup in 1975. Contributed to the development of Ukrainian football as a key figure in the national team, characterized by a focus on scientific approaches to training and match preparation.

Continue Reading