Léon Foucault
French physicist known for pendulum experiment
Born
September 18th, 1819
205 years ago
Died
February 11th, 1868
157 years ago — 48 years old
Category
Scientists & Innovators
Country
France
Links & References
Contributed significantly to experimental physics and is recognized for the invention of the Foucault pendulum, demonstrating the Earth's rotation. Conducted experiments in optics, notably measuring the speed of light with an accuracy that improved upon previous efforts. Served as a professor at the Collège de France, influencing the academic landscape of physics in the 19th century.
Invention of the Foucault pendulum
Measurement of the speed of light
Contributions to gyroscopy
Other People Born on September 18th
Dennis Johnson
A professional basketball player and coach, contributed to the game primarily in the NBA. Played for the Seattle SuperSonics, Phoenix Suns, and Boston Celtics. Achieved notable success as a player, winning three NBA championships. After retiring as a player, transitioned to coaching, continuing to influence the sport. Recognized for defensive prowess and ability to perform in clutch situations.
Continue ReadingHarvey Haddix
Played as a left-handed pitcher in Major League Baseball for teams including the Pittsburgh Pirates and the St. Louis Cardinals. Achieved notable success during the 1959 season, earning an All-Star selection. Coached several teams after retirement, contributing to the development of players and pitching strategies. Finished a distinguished career with over 130 wins and recognized for a nearly perfect game against the Milwaukee Braves in 1959.
Continue ReadingPeter Shilton
Football goalkeeper played for England with significant appearances in the FIFA World Cup. Had a lengthy club career, including stints at Leicester City, Stoke City, and Nottingham Forest. Achieved notable success with Nottingham Forest, winning two European Cups. After retiring from playing, transitioned to management, overseeing various clubs.
Continue ReadingDizzee Rascal
This British hip hop musician emerged on the music scene with a distinctive style blending garage, grime, and hip hop. Debut album 'Boy in da Corner' released in 2003 garnered critical acclaim and won the Mercury Prize. Follow-up albums, including 'Showtime' and 'Maths + English,' solidified a successful career. Collaborations with various artists and diverse tracks have contributed to commercial success and chart-topping hits.
Continue ReadingGeorge Read
Born in 1733, a prominent lawyer and politician in colonial America. Served in the Continental Congress and was a signer of the Declaration of Independence. Held the office of the 3rd Governor of Delaware from 1777 to 1781. Contributed to the framing of the U.S. Constitution and engaged in various legal matters throughout his career. Played a significant role in early American governance.
Continue ReadingSteven Pinker
A prominent psychologist and linguist, significant contributions to the understanding of language, cognition, and the evolution of human behavior were made. Authored several influential books that explored topics of language and the human mind, including 'The Language Instinct' and 'How the Mind Works'. Engagement with various disciplines, such as cognitive science and evolutionary psychology, highlighted the interface of language and thought. Work often emphasized rationality, science, and human progress. Academic positions included tenured professorship at Harvard University, continuing to teach and write.
Continue ReadingOther People Who Died on February 11th
Peter Benchley
An American author and screenwriter, notable for writing the thriller novel 'Jaws' published in 1974. The book depicts the story of a monstrous great white shark that terrorizes a beach town. The novel's immense popularity catapulted it to the top of bestseller lists and led to a major film adaptation directed by Steven Spielberg in 1975, which became a cultural sensation and established the summer blockbuster phenomenon. Benchley also wrote several other novels, including 'The Deep' and 'Beast', and served as a screenwriter for various movies. Beyond literature, Benchley became an advocate for ocean conservation.
Continue ReadingRoger Vadim
A prominent figure in French cinema, this individual directed, produced, and wrote several influential films. Gained recognition in the 1950s for the film 'And God Created Woman', which launched the career of Brigitte Bardot. Contributed to the New Wave movement while exploring themes of sexuality and romantic relationships. In addition to feature films, worked on television projects and maintained a career spanning several decades, influencing a new generation of filmmakers.
Continue ReadingAharon Davidi
A military leader held significant positions in the Israel Defense Forces during pivotal moments in Israeli history. He served as a commander in various conflicts, including the 1967 Six-Day War, where strategic decisions led to territorial gains for Israel. Contributions included leadership roles in operations that influenced military tactics and national defense strategies. Post-military career included involvement in political and security discussions.
Continue ReadingAllen J. Bard
A prominent American chemist, contributions primarily focused on the field of electrochemistry and development of innovative techniques in chemical analysis. Held a position as a professor at the University of Texas at Austin, significantly advancing the understanding of electrochemical processes and properties of materials. Authored numerous scientific papers and was instrumental in the founding of the journal 'Analytical Chemistry'. Renowned for the invention of various electrochemical methodologies that have applications in energy storage, sensors, and nanotechnology. Received multiple awards and honors throughout a distinguished career.
Continue ReadingFélix María Zuloaga
A military leader held the office of interim president of Mexico during a tumultuous period in the country's history. Zuloaga served as a general in the Mexican army and was involved in various military conflicts that shaped the nation's political landscape. His presidency was marked by a lack of constitutional legitimacy, reflecting the struggles for power that characterized 19th century Mexico. Zuloaga's tenure was part of a broader conflict known as the Reform War, highlighting the tensions between liberal and conservative factions within the country. After resigning, continued to influence political and military affairs until death.
Continue ReadingEllen Day Hale
Born in 1855, this individual was a prominent American painter and author whose works often incorporated themes of nature and femininity. Studied under various esteemed artists and exhibited widely across the United States, including at the Pennsylvania Academy of the Fine Arts. Also contributed to literature through writings that detailed artistic life and practices. She was part of the artistic community in Boston and later settled in New York, where involvement in the Women's Suffrage Movement also characterized her later years.
Continue Reading