Robert Plot

English chemist and academic known for work in geology

Robert Plot - English chemist and academic known for work in geology
Born

December 13th, 1640
384 years ago

Died

April 30th, 1696
329 years ago — 55 years old

Category

Scientists & Innovators

Country

England

Links & References

Contributed to the foundational fields of geology and natural history. Conducted studies on fossils and minerals, emphasizing the analysis of the earth's materials. Published 'The Natural History of Staffordshire' in 1686, detailing the region's geology and quarrying practices. Served as the first curator of the Ashmolean Museum in Oxford, where valuable specimens were cataloged and displayed.

Published 'The Natural History of Staffordshire'

Served as first curator of the Ashmolean Museum

Other People Born on December 13th

Maximilien de Béthune

Duke of Sully and Prime Minister of France
Born
December 13th, 1560 464 years ago
Died
December 22nd, 1641 383 years ago — 81 years old

Born into nobility, held significant political influence in France. Served as the Duke of Sully and as the second Prime Minister under King Henry IV. Implemented financial reforms that improved the economy and established a centralized administration. Guided policies that aimed to promote peace and stabilize the kingdom after years of civil war. Strengthened the infrastructure, enhancing trade and agricultural production. Influenced the shaping of French policies during the early 17th century.

Continue Reading

Philip Warren Anderson

Physicist and Nobel Prize laureate
Born
December 13th, 1923 101 years ago
Died
2020 5 years ago — 97 years old

A prominent physicist, contributed to condensed matter physics and played a crucial role in the development of the theory of localization. His research addressed disordered systems and introduced methods for understanding various phenomena in solid-state physics. Published extensively in scientific journals, influencing future research in the field. Received the Nobel Prize in Physics in 1977 for contributions to the understanding of the electronic structure of magnetic and disordered systems. Affiliated with institutions such as Princeton University throughout an extensive academic career.

Continue Reading

James Holmes

Mass murderer involved in theater shooting
Born
December 13th, 1987 37 years ago

Born in December 1987, a mass shooting occurred during a midnight screening of 'The Dark Knight Rises' in Aurora, Colorado, in July 2012. The incident resulted in the deaths of 12 individuals and injuries to 70 others, marking one of the deadliest shootings in American history. Holmes was apprehended at the scene and later diagnosed with schizophrenia. In 2015, he was convicted of multiple counts of first-degree murder and sentenced to life in prison without parole.

Continue Reading

Herman Cain

Businessman and political activist
Born
December 13th, 1945 79 years ago
Died
July 30th, 2020 5 years ago — 74 years old

Born in 1945, this individual rose to prominence as a businessman and later became involved in politics and activism. He earned a degree in mathematics from Morehouse College before beginning a successful career in the corporate sector, which included executive roles at Pillsbury and Godfather's Pizza. Gaining national attention during the 2012 Republican presidential primary, he promoted a 9-9-9 tax plan and participated in various debates. After his presidential run, he remained active in political commentary and conservative advocacy until his passing in 2020.

Continue Reading

Lillian Board

British sprinter and Olympic medalist
Born
December 13th, 1948 76 years ago
Died
December 26th, 1970 54 years ago — 22 years old

An accomplished sprinter, made significant contributions to athletics, particularly in the 400 meters. Competed in the 1964 Tokyo Olympics, securing a silver medal in the 400 meters event. Achieved success in European Championships, earning gold medals in both the 400 meters and 4x400 meters relay events. Represented Great Britain in numerous international competitions and set national records for her events. Overcame challenges in her career, ultimately becoming a respected figure in the world of athletics.

Continue Reading

Christopher Plummer

Canadian actor of 'The Sound of Music'
Born
December 13th, 1929 95 years ago
Died
February 5th, 2021 4 years ago — 91 years old

Career spanned seven decades featuring a wide range of roles in film, television, and theater. Achievements included multiple prestigious awards. Gained prominence in the 1965 musical 'The Sound of Music' as Captain Georg von Trapp. Received Academy Award for Best Supporting Actor for the 2010 film 'Beginners'. Played in various productions including Shakespearean plays and acclaimed films.

Continue Reading

Other People Who Died on April 30th

Pramoedya Ananta Toer

Indonesian author and academic
Born
1925 100 years ago
Died
April 30th, 2006 19 years ago — 81 years old

An influential Indonesian author and academic contributed significantly to literature and historical narrative through novels and essays. Works often reflected socio-political themes and the struggles of the Indonesian people. Created a renowned tetralogy detailing the country's past through the eyes of its characters. Faced censorship and imprisonment due to political views but continued writing and advocating for democracy and human rights.

Continue Reading

Jean-François Revel

French philosopher and author
Born
January 19th, 1924 101 years ago
Died
April 30th, 2006 19 years ago — 82 years old

A French philosopher and essayist focused on the criticism of totalitarianism and defense of liberal democracy. Contributed to discussions on culture, education, and politics through numerous published works. Engaged in debates surrounding the nature of knowledge and history and their role in shaping societies. Served as a member of the French National Assembly and held positions involving intellectual engagement in media and education.

Continue Reading

Henk Nijdam

Dutch cyclist and world champion
Born
1935 90 years ago
Died
April 30th, 2009 16 years ago — 74 years old

A cyclist from the Netherlands, achieved significant success in professional cycling during the 1960s and 1970s. Competed in numerous races, showcasing remarkable endurance and skill. Became a world champion, notably winning the UCI Road World Championships in 1968. Participated in the Olympic Games, representing the Netherlands in road cycling events. Contributed to Dutch cycling's prominence on the international stage until retirement from competitive cycling.

Continue Reading

Ian Ross

Journalist and television presenter
Born
June 24th, 1940 85 years ago
Died
April 30th, 2014 11 years ago — 73 years old

Worked as a journalist for several Australian media organizations, including the Nine Network. Presented news programs and hosted current affairs shows. Contributed to sports reporting and coverage of significant events in Australia. Engaged audiences through an approachable style. Served as a presenter for programs such as 'Sunday' and 'The Midday Show'.

Continue Reading

Adolf Hitler

Austrian-German politician and dictator
Born
April 20th, 1889 136 years ago
Died
April 30th, 1945 80 years ago — 56 years old

An Austrian-German politician and author who led the National Socialist German Workers' Party (Nazi Party) and became Chancellor of Germany in 1933. Hitler established a totalitarian regime noted for its aggressive expansionism and its instigation of World War II. The regime implemented policies leading to significant military conquests in Europe and the systemic persecution of Jews and other groups, culminating in the Holocaust. Hitler authored 'Mein Kampf,' outlining his ideology and political plans. He died by suicide in 1945 as Allied forces closed in on Berlin.

Continue Reading

Eustache Le Sueur

French painter of classical works
Born
November 19th, 1617 407 years ago
Died
April 30th, 1655 370 years ago — 37 years old

Active during the 17th century, this painter specialized in historical and mythological subjects, gaining recognition for his contribution to French Baroque painting. He worked primarily in Paris and became associated with the French Royal Academy of Painting and Sculpture. His early works exhibited a devotion to classical themes, utilizing rich colors and detailed compositions. His significant projects include the decoration of the Hotel de Ville and altarpieces for various churches. The artist's style evolved throughout his career, illustrating both religious and allegorical scenes, while incorporating influences from Italian masters.

Continue Reading