William Cullen
Physician and chemist known for clinical thermometry
Contributed significantly to the fields of medicine and chemistry in the 18th century. Developed a systematic approach to clinical observation and introduced methods for measuring body temperature. Established the first medical school at the University of Edinburgh, which became a model for medical education. Published influential works, including 'First Lines of the Practice of Physic', which detailed clinical treatments. His teachings influenced a generation of physicians.
Developed clinical thermometry
Established a medical school at Edinburgh
Published 'First Lines of the Practice of Physic'
Other People Born on April 15th
Stanley Bruce
Australian Prime Minister and politician
Born
April 15th, 1883 142 years ago
Died
August 25th, 1967 58 years ago — 84 years old
Served as the 8th Prime Minister of Australia from 1923 to 1929. Focused on economic development and infrastructural improvements during tenure. Advocated for closer ties between Australia and Great Britain. Contributed to the establishment of the National Health and Medical Research Council and played a role in various social reforms. Served in the Australian Senate after his prime ministerial term, representing the United Australia Party.
Continue ReadingIda Freund
Chemist and educator with teaching roles
Born
April 15th, 1863 162 years ago
Died
May 15th, 1914 111 years ago — 51 years old
Born in Austria, a chemist and educator contributed significantly to the field of chemistry and science education. Freund played a pivotal role in developing practical chemistry curricula. She worked as a teacher at various institutions, emphasizing the importance of hands-on laboratory experiences for students. Her efforts aimed to enhance the understanding of chemistry among future generations. Freund also engaged in scientific research and published several articles that furthered educational methodologies in the sciences. Freund's career reflected a commitment to advancing chemistry education during a time when women faced numerous barriers in the academic field.
Continue ReadingPercy Shaw
Inventor of the cat's eye
Born
April 15th, 1890 135 years ago
Died
1976 50 years ago — 86 years old
An English businessman developed a reflective road safety device that improved visibility for drivers at night. The device, called the cat's eye, consisted of a pair of reflective lenses mounted in a rubber housing. This invention increased road safety and gained widespread adoption in the UK and beyond. Originally patented in the 1930s, the cat's eye significantly reduced accidents by enhancing lane visibility during low-light conditions. Shaw's company continued to produce cat's eyes for decades.
Continue ReadingGeorgy Beregovoy
General and astronaut, Soyuz 3 commander
Born
April 15th, 1921 104 years ago
Died
June 30th, 1995 30 years ago — 74 years old
A Ukrainian-Russian general and pilot achieved the rank of major general in the Soviet Air Force. Initially trained as a pilot during World War II, worked as a test pilot post-war. In 1968, commanded the Soyuz 3 mission, successfully docking with the Salyut 1 space station. Over the course of the career, participated in various military and space exploration efforts, gaining recognition for contributions to aerospace advancements. Received multiple awards, including the title of Hero of the Soviet Union.
Continue ReadingCorrie ten Boom
Nazi resister and author of The Hiding Place
Born
April 15th, 1892 133 years ago
Died
1983 43 years ago — 91 years old
Born in the Netherlands, played a pivotal role in sheltering Jewish refugees during World War II. Operated a secret room in her family's home to hide individuals from Nazi persecution. After her arrest, endured imprisonment in concentration camps. Following the war, authored The Hiding Place, detailing experiences and themes of forgiveness and faith. Became a sought-after speaker, sharing lessons of resilience and compassion throughout the world.
Continue ReadingJoseph E. Seagram
Canadian businessman and politician
Born
April 15th, 1841 184 years ago
Died
August 18th, 1919 106 years ago — 78 years old
Founded Seagram Company Ltd, a major producer of alcoholic beverages. Served as a politician in Canada during the late 19th century. Expanded the company into one of the largest distillers worldwide. Involved in various civic activities and held significant influence in local business.
Continue ReadingOther People Who Died on February 5th
Shunzhi
Emperor of the Qing Dynasty
Born
1638 388 years ago
Died
February 5th, 1661 365 years ago — 23 years old
Ascended to the throne in 1643, ruling as the first Qing Emperor of China after the fall of the Ming dynasty. His reign marked significant consolidation of Qing power, including the establishment of a streamlined centralized government. Implemented various reforms aimed at improving agricultural productivity and managing the economy. His reign experienced challenges from internal strife and external threats, but he worked to stabilize and unify the empire. Shunzhi also promoted cultural integration within the diverse populations of China, though he passed away at a young age.
Continue ReadingTom McGuigan
New Zealand soldier and minister
Born
1921 105 years ago
Died
February 5th, 2013 13 years ago — 92 years old
Served as a soldier during World War II and later entered politics. Became the 23rd Minister of Health in New Zealand. Advocated for public health policies and healthcare reform. Contributed to the development of health services in New Zealand.
Continue ReadingSami Ibrahim Haddad
Lebanese surgeon and author
Born
1890 136 years ago
Died
February 5th, 1957 69 years ago — 67 years old
An influential surgeon and author in Lebanon, contributed significantly to the field of medicine through written works and surgical practice. Focused on improving medical standards in the region and educating future generations of doctors. His writings address various aspects of surgery and medical ethics. Through both practice and literature, facilitated advancement in healthcare in Lebanon and the Arab world.
Continue ReadingLou Andreas-Salomé
Psychoanalyst and author
Born
February 12th, 1861 164 years ago
Died
February 5th, 1937 89 years ago — 75 years old
A psychoanalyst and author associated with the early development of psychoanalysis. Engaged with prominent figures such as Sigmund Freud and Rainer Maria Rilke. Contributed to the understanding of sexuality and feminist thought through written works. An influential personality in literary and psychological circles in both Russian and German contexts.
Continue ReadingRené Huyghe
French Historian and Author
Born
1906 120 years ago
Died
February 5th, 1997 29 years ago — 91 years old
A prominent French historian and author, contributed significantly to the study of art history and aesthetics. Focused on the relationship between art and culture, leading to influential works. Authored 'The Mind's Eye' and 'The Art of the European Middle Ages'. Held academic positions and participated in various cultural institutions, enhancing the understanding of art's role in societal development.
Continue ReadingWassily Leontief
Economist and Nobel Prize laureate
Born
August 5th, 1905 120 years ago
Died
February 5th, 1999 27 years ago — 93 years old
A Russian-American economist and academic, Leontief developed the input-output model, which analyzes the interdependencies between different sectors of an economy. His pioneering work in economic modeling earned him the Nobel Prize in Economic Sciences in 1973. Leontief's career included a long tenure at Harvard University, where he contributed significantly to the field of economics through teaching and research. He was instrumental in shaping modern economic thought and providing tools for economic analysis that are still used today.
Continue Reading