Pierre Bouguer

French mathematician and geophysicist

Pierre Bouguer - French mathematician and geophysicist
Born

February 16th, 1698
327 years ago

Died

August 15th, 1758
266 years ago — 60 years old

Category

Thinkers & Philosophers

Country

France

Links & References

A mathematician and geophysicist contributed to the development of hydrostatics and geodesy. His work included methods for measuring the shape and density of the Earth, as well as advancements in the understanding of light. Bouguer published 'Essai d'Optique' in 1729, laying foundational concepts in optical science. He also worked on the principles of buoyancy and is regarded as a pioneer in the study of gravity.

Published 'Essai d'Optique'

Contributed to geodesy

Developed principles in hydrostatics

Other People Born on February 16th

Heinz-Wolfgang Schnaufer

German soldier and pilot during WWII
Born
February 16th, 1922 103 years ago
Died
1950 75 years ago — 28 years old

Participated in World War II as a Luftwaffe pilot. Achieved a high number of aerial victories, becoming one of the leading night fighters of the conflict. Actively engaged in several major battles, demonstrating tactical expertise in combat. Received numerous commendations for contributions to air warfare tactics and strategy.

Continue Reading

Hans F. K. Günther

Eugenicist and academic in Germany
Born
February 16th, 1891 134 years ago
Died
September 25th, 1968 56 years ago — 77 years old

A prominent eugenicist and academic, contributed to the field of racial theory and eugenics in Germany. Authored several works on race and genetics, influencing eugenics policies during the early to mid-20th century. Associated with the concept of racial hygiene, which laid theoretical groundwork for subsequent social and political movements. Involved in various academic institutions and participated in the eugenicist discourse prevalent in Germany during his time.

Continue Reading

Henrietta Barnett

English Women's Royal Air Force Officer
Born
February 16th, 1905 120 years ago
Died
September 11th, 1985 39 years ago — 80 years old

Served as a prominent officer in the Women's Royal Air Force (WRAF) during World War II. Played a significant role in leading numerous initiatives that supported women's contributions in the military aviation field. After the war, continued to advocate for women's rights and integration into the armed forces. Engaged in various efforts to acknowledge the importance of women's roles in wartime service, including writing and speaking on the subject.

Continue Reading

Anna Mae Hays

American General and Vietnam War leader
Born
February 16th, 1920 105 years ago
Died
2018 7 years ago — 98 years old

Served as a United States Army officer, achieving the rank of Brigadier General. First woman in the U.S. Army to be promoted to general officer in 1970. Played a significant role during the Vietnam War as Chief of the Army Nurse Corps. Advocated for the professionalization of the nursing corps, enhancing the role of nurses in the military. Continued to support veterans and active-duty service members through various initiatives.

Continue Reading

Margot Frank

Holocaust victim and diary author
Born
February 16th, 1926 99 years ago
Died
1945 80 years ago — 19 years old

Born in Germany in 1926, a Jewish girl faced persecution during World War II. In 1933, fled to the Netherlands with the family to escape Nazi discrimination. In 1942, went into hiding in Amsterdam with the family to avoid deportation. This period was documented in a diary, providing insight into life in hiding. Arrested in 1944 and deported to Auschwitz and later to Bergen-Belsen, where she died in early 1945.

Continue Reading

James Colosimo

Italian-American mob boss at the Chicago Outfit
Born
February 16th, 1878 147 years ago
Died
May 11th, 1920 105 years ago — 42 years old

An Italian-American mob boss became a significant figure in organized crime during the early 20th century. Colosimo immigrated to the United States and established himself as a key player in Chicago's underworld. His activities included prostitution, gambling, and mob operations. Colosimo's leadership and connections helped shape the Chicago Outfit, a major crime syndicate. His tenure was marked by expansion and influence in various illegal enterprises until his assassination in 1920.

Continue Reading

Other People Who Died on August 15th

Viktor Tsoi

Russian singer-songwriter and guitarist
Born
June 21st, 1962 62 years ago
Died
August 15th, 1990 34 years ago — 28 years old

Emerging from Leningrad, a significant figure in the Soviet rock scene, contributed to the genre through a blend of rock and new wave. Fronted the band Kino, which gained widespread popularity during the late 1980s. The band's music captured the sentiments of a generation seeking change and freedom amidst a restrictive political climate. Tsoi's songwriting and performance style resonated with youth, leading to an enduring legacy in Russian music. His song 'Gruppa Krovi' became emblematic of the era. Tsoi's life was tragically cut short in 1990 after a car accident, but his influence continued to shape Russian rock music posthumously.

Continue Reading

Stephen I

Hungarian king who established monarchy
Died
August 15th, 1038 986 years ago — None years old

Ruled as the first King of Hungary from 1000 until 1038. Implemented significant reforms to consolidate and stabilize the kingdom. Promoted the Christianization of Hungary, establishing the Catholic Church as a pivotal institution in the realm. Organized the administrative structure of the kingdom, creating counties and a centralized governance system. His reign marked the foundation of the Hungarian state, influencing its future development and integration into European affairs.

Continue Reading

Thomas J. Higgins

Canadian-American Medal of Honor recipient
Born
June 8th, 1831 194 years ago
Died
August 15th, 1917 107 years ago — 86 years old

Born in 1831, a Canadian-American sergeant distinguished for valor during the American Civil War. Served in the 2nd Massachusetts Infantry. Earned the Medal of Honor for extraordinary heroism at the Battle of Gettysburg. Later received recognition in various commemorations for bravery.

Continue Reading

Hermann of Wied

German Archbishop and religious reformer
Born
January 14th, 1477 548 years ago
Died
August 15th, 1552 472 years ago — 75 years old

An influential German archbishop, played a significant role in the Protestant Reformation. Served as the Archbishop of Cologne from 1515 until his removal in 1546. Strongly supported Martin Luther's theological views and sought to reform the church. His tenure marked a pivotal moment in the Catholic Church's response to Protestantism. Following his expulsion, engaged in efforts to re-establish Catholic control in his territories and became involved in various religious debates.

Continue Reading

Lancelot Ware

English barrister and biochemist, Mensa co-founder
Born
June 5th, 1915 110 years ago
Died
August 15th, 2000 24 years ago — 85 years old

Born in 1915, a career spanned law and science. Studied biochemistry and contributed to the field while practicing as a barrister. Co-founded Mensa in 1946, an organization for individuals scoring in the top 2% on an intelligence test. Contributed to Mensa's growth, promoting intellectual exchange. Engaged in various educational initiatives and emphasized the importance of intellectual pursuits.

Continue Reading

Alexios I Komnenos

Byzantine Emperor; author of military reforms
Born
1048 977 years ago
Died
August 15th, 1118 906 years ago — 70 years old

Ruled as Byzantine Emperor from 1081 to 1118, implementing significant military and economic reforms. Aimed to restore the empire's stability after the loss of territories. Expanded the Byzantine Empire's influence through strategic alliances and military campaigns, particularly against the Normans and Seljuk Turks. Successfully defended Constantinople and initiated the First Crusade by appealing to Western powers for assistance against the Muslim forces. His reign marked a period of revitalization for the Byzantine Empire.

Continue Reading