William Cookworthy
Pharmacist and porcelain manufacturer

Born
April 12th, 1705
320 years ago
Died
October 17th, 1780
244 years ago — 75 years old
Category
Scientists & Innovators
Country
United Kingdom
Links & References
Service as a minister preceded a significant career in pharmacy and porcelain manufacturing. After studying pharmacy, established a successful business in Plymouth, providing remedies and medicines. Founded the first factory in England to successfully produce true porcelain, utilizing kaolin clay sourced from Cornwall. Contributed to the introduction of porcelain to England and enhanced the local economy through this innovative industry.
Founded the first true porcelain factory in England
Utilized Cornish kaolin for porcelain production
Other People Born on April 12th
Ádám Hanga
Played professional basketball in Hungary before transitioning to international play. Joined the Spanish club Baskonia in 2015, contributing to the team's success in the EuroLeague. Secured a EuroLeague championship title and represented Hungary in international competitions, including the FIBA EuroBasket tournaments. Demonstrated versatility on the court as a forward and established a reputation for defensive skills and teamwork.
Continue ReadingSumitra Mahajan
Served as the Speaker of the Lok Sabha from 2014 to 2019, marking a significant period under the Modi administration. Played a key role in parliamentary proceedings, including overseeing legislative discussions and maintaining order during sessions. Participated in various legislative matters and was a member of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP). Held positions of prominence within the party and was involved in local and national politics for decades.
Continue ReadingLuke Kibet
Specializing in long-distance running, this individual achieved significant success in marathons. Crowned the winner of the 2007 World Championship Marathon in Osaka, Japan, this athlete set a personal record of 2:15:04 during the event. The runner also secured victory at the 2009 Vienna City Marathon, finishing with a time of 2:09:50. This individual represented Kenya in international competitions and distinguished himself in various road races.
Continue ReadingTom Noonan
An American actor and writer, known for roles in film and television. Gained recognition for the portrayal of a serial killer in the movie 'Manhunter'. Starred in the television series 'The Good Wife' and 'The Silence of the Lambs'. Worked as a director and writer, contributing to various independent films and theater productions. Also recognized for voice work in animated features.
Continue ReadingArmen Alchian
An economist and academic contributed significantly to the field of economics, particularly in the areas of property rights and the theory of the firm. A professor at the University of California, Los Angeles, focused on microeconomic theory and price theory. Co-authored the influential book 'Economic Forces at Work', which examined economic mechanisms and market processes. Additionally, established principles related to transactions, contracts, and the role of businesses within the economy.
Continue ReadingAlexander Ostrovsky
A noted playwright and translator, he played a pivotal role in the development of Russian drama. His works often focused on the lives of the Russian middle class and societal issues of the time. He wrote more than 40 plays that include significant works such as 'The Storm' and 'The Forest'. In addition to his contributions to theatre, he translated several foreign works into Russian, thereby enhancing the accessibility of international literature for Russian audiences.
Continue ReadingOther People Who Died on October 17th
J. Bruce Ismay
Was an English businessman who served as the managing director of the White Star Line. Ismay played a significant role in the development and launch of the RMS Titanic, a British passenger liner that sank on its maiden voyage in 1912. The disaster resulted in the loss of over 1,500 lives. Following the sinking, Ismay faced substantial public criticism for his actions during the tragic event and subsequently resigned from his position within the company. He later wrote a memoir detailing his experiences and involvement with the Titanic.
Continue ReadingBerndt von Staden
Served as a German diplomat and held the position of German Ambassador to the United States from 1999 to 2002. Played a significant role in diplomatic relations between Germany and the U.S. during his tenure. Engaged in discussions on various international issues and represented German interests in Washington, D.C. Had a background in various diplomatic roles before the ambassadorship, enhancing bilateral relations and promoting cooperation in several areas.
Continue ReadingGustav Kirchhoff
A physicist and academic, contributed significantly to the field of physics. Developed Kirchhoff's circuit laws, foundational principles that govern electrical circuits. Conducted research in spectroscopy and thermodynamics. Collaborated with Robert Bunsen, which led to advancements in chemical analysis through flame spectroscopy. Authored influential works and taught at various institutions, mentoring the next generation of scientists.
Continue ReadingAdrian Scrope
Served as a colonel during the English Civil War and was a prominent politician in the Commonwealth of England. Participated in key military engagements for the Parliamentarians. Involved in political matters following the execution of King Charles I. Contributed to the governance and administrative decisions during the period of the Commonwealth.
Continue ReadingJacques Hadamard
A prominent French mathematician made significant contributions to various fields of mathematics, including number theory, functional analysis, and mathematical physics. Hadamard introduced the Hadamard transform and worked on the asymptotic analysis of integrals. In addition to theoretical work, he published several influential textbooks that shaped mathematical education. He was also involved in the development of mathematical logic and the theory of partial differential equations. His academic career included teaching at prestigious institutions and he held important positions in mathematical societies. Hadamard's insights and innovations have inspired generations of mathematicians.
Continue ReadingPierre François le Courayer
Born in 1681, this French theologian contributed extensively to the field of theology through writings that challenged traditional ecclesiastical views. Served as a priest of the Oratory and held significant roles in religious education. Wrote several influential texts, including works on the history of the Church and theological disputes. His most notable work is 'The History of the Councils of the Church', which provided critical insights into the workings and decisions of historical church councils. This work remains a reference in theological studies.
Continue Reading