Maud Menten
Canadian physician and biochemist
Contributions to biochemistry included work on enzyme kinetics and histochemistry. Collaborated with Leonor Michaelis to describe the Michaelis-Menten equation, a foundational principle in enzyme kinetics. Menten's research also advanced understanding of enzyme reactions and tissue staining techniques. Held a faculty position at the University of Toronto and published many scientific papers throughout a career spanning several decades.
Co-developed the Michaelis-Menten equation
Pioneered techniques in histochemistry
Contributed to advancement of enzyme kinetics
Other People Born on March 20th
Douglas Tompkins
Businessman and co-founder of The North Face
Born
March 20th, 1943 82 years ago
Died
December 8th, 2015 10 years ago — 72 years old
Co-founded outdoor apparel companies The North Face and Esprit Holdings. Established The North Face in 1966, focusing on high-quality outdoor gear. Expanded Esprit Holdings into a global fashion brand after its founding in 1968. Transitioned to environmental conservation, founding the Tompkins Conservation organization, which aimed to create national parks in Chile and Argentina. Played a significant role in land conservation efforts and reforestation projects in South America.
Continue ReadingCon Martin
Footballer and manager; played for Ireland
Born
March 20th, 1923 102 years ago
Died
February 24th, 2013 12 years ago — 89 years old
A footballer and manager, played as a defender during the early and mid-20th century. Represented the national team of Ireland in international competitions. Transitioned to a managerial role, contributing to football development at various clubs. Played for clubs including Dublin's Shamrock Rovers and Cork City. Garnered respect for commitment to the sport both on and off the field.
Continue ReadingJohn Ehrlichman
Lawyer and 12th White House Counsel
Born
March 20th, 1925 100 years ago
Died
February 14th, 1999 26 years ago — 73 years old
Served as the 12th White House Counsel during the Nixon administration. Played a significant role in the Watergate scandal, providing legal advice to President Nixon and helping to manage the administration's response to the crisis. After leaving office, faced legal consequences related to the Watergate cover-up, including conviction and imprisonment for conspiracy, obstruction of justice, and perjury. Authored several works, including a memoir reflecting on his time in the Nixon administration.
Continue ReadingDave Beasant
English footballer and coach.
Born
March 20th, 1959 66 years ago
A goalkeeper, played prominently in English football. Became the first goalkeeper to lift the FA Cup while playing for Wimbledon in 1988. Had a notable club career featuring stints at clubs such as Southampton, Chelsea, and Nottingham Forest. Transitioned into coaching after retirement from playing.
Continue ReadingMary Ellen Mark
Photographer known for documentary work
Born
March 20th, 1940 85 years ago
Died
2015 10 years ago — 75 years old
A prominent photographer and journalist, this individual specialized in documentary photography. The work captured the lives of marginalized individuals, including those in mental hospitals and on the streets. Notable projects included the book 'Streetwise', which focused on street children in Seattle and was accompanied by a film directed by Martin Bell. Exhibitions showcased the work extensively, earning recognition in photography circles worldwide.
Continue ReadingRudolf Kirchschläger
Austrian politician and former president
Born
March 20th, 1915 110 years ago
Died
March 30th, 2000 25 years ago — 85 years old
Served as the 8th President of Austria from 1974 to 1986. Before presidency, held various notable positions in the Austrian judiciary, including serving as a judge and court president. Contributed significantly to Austrian politics and represented the country in international contexts. Played a crucial role in domestic policy and governance during his tenure, focusing on issues related to justice and public service.
Continue ReadingOther People Who Died on July 17th
Karl Tausig
Pianist and composer, concert performances
Born
1841 184 years ago
Died
July 17th, 1871 154 years ago — 30 years old
A Polish virtuoso pianist, arranger, and composer made significant contributions to the piano repertoire in the 19th century. Tausig studied under Franz Liszt and became noted for his technical proficiency and interpretative skills. He expanded upon the works of composers like Chopin and Beethoven, providing arrangements that showcased the piano's capabilities. His performances garnered critical acclaim, and he was recognized as one of the leading pianists of his time. Tausig also founded the 'Tausig School of Music' in Berlin, influencing a generation of musicians. His untimely death at a young age curtailed a promising career.
Continue ReadingKonstantine Gamsakhurdia
Georgian author and playwright
Born
May 3rd, 1893 132 years ago
Died
July 17th, 1975 50 years ago — 82 years old
An influential Georgian author and playwright contributed significantly to Georgian literature. Involved in various literary movements, he blended drama with national themes, reflecting the societal changes of his time. Received recognition for works that explored the complexities of Georgian identity and culture. Active in the 20th century, produced numerous writings that emphasized the importance of the Georgian language and heritage.
Continue ReadingJúlio Redecker
Brazilian politician and legislator
Born
1956 69 years ago
Died
July 17th, 2007 18 years ago — 51 years old
Served as a federal deputy in Brazil from 1995 until 2007. Played a significant role in Brazilian politics, representing the state of Rio Grande do Sul. His legislative focus included infrastructure and transport issues. Redecker was also a member of the Brazilian Democratic Movement.
Continue ReadingRobina Nicol
New Zealand photographer and suffragist
Born
June 7th, 1861 164 years ago
Died
July 17th, 1942 83 years ago — 81 years old
Pioneered women's rights in New Zealand through activism and photography. Contributed to the suffrage movement, advocating for women's voting rights. Worked as a photographer, capturing significant moments and portraits of the era. Participated in various organizations promoting equality and social reforms.
Continue ReadingWalter Cronkite
Journalist and news anchor for CBS
Born
November 4th, 1916 109 years ago
Died
July 17th, 2009 16 years ago — 92 years old
A prominent journalist and television news anchor, played a key role in shaping broadcast journalism in the United States. Served as the anchor for the CBS Evening News from 1962 to 1981, providing coverage of significant events such as the Moon landing and the Vietnam War. Was awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom in 1981 for contributions to journalism and democracy. His signature sign-off, 'And that's the way it is,' became iconic in American media.
Continue ReadingGeorge William Russell
Irish author, poet, painter, and editor
Born
April 10th, 1867 158 years ago
Died
July 17th, 1935 90 years ago — 68 years old
An influential figure in the Irish literary revival, contributed significantly to literature through poetry, essays, and artistic endeavors. Edited the Irish nationalist newspaper 'The Irish Homestead' and published numerous works including 'The Story of Ireland' and 'The House of the Titans'. Associated with the Dublin and Belfast literary circles, engaged in the promotion of Irish culture and folklore. Established a distinct style that merged mysticism with realism, becoming an emblematic figure of the early 20th century.
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