Born in 1654
Thomas Grey
Second Earl of Stamford served in various political roles during the late 17th and early 18th centuries. Held the position of Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster, overseeing land and finances of the Duchy, particularly during significant political events in England. Actively engaged in parliamentary proceedings and championed causes relevant to the governance of the time. Contributed to political discourse and policy implementation, influencing legislative decisions.
Continue ReadingConstantin Brâncoveanu
Ruled as the Prince of Wallachia from 1688 until 1714. Strengthened the economic and cultural position of the principality. Promoted Orthodox Christianity and maintained alliances with the Habsburg Empire against the Ottoman threat. Executed by the Ottomans along with his sons for refusing to convert to Islam.
Continue ReadingJacob Bernoulli
A mathematician and theorist contributed to the development of calculus and probability theory. Played a significant role in the early foundations of mathematical analysis and introduced the concept of the Bernoulli numbers. His work laid the groundwork for further studies in probability, influencing future mathematicians. Authored notable works, including 'Ars Conjectandi', which detailed principles of probability and combinatorial analysis. His contributions extended to the study of series and logarithms.
Continue ReadingAnne Dacier
Contributed significantly to the translation of classical works into French. Translated the works of Homer, including the 'Iliad' and the 'Odyssey', making these ancient texts accessible to a wider French-speaking audience. Engaged in scholarly debates and corresponded with prominent intellectuals of the time, enhancing the cultural landscape of the era. Worked to defend and promote the value of classical literature through her translations and commentaries.
Continue ReadingKangxi
Ruled as Emperor of the Qing Dynasty from 1661 to 1722. Kangxi was the second emperor of the Qing Dynasty and one of the longest-reigning emperors in history. Significant achievements included the expansion of the empire's territory, consolidating power through military campaigns, and promoting cultural and scientific endeavors. The Kangxi Dictionary was compiled during his reign, setting standards for Chinese lexicography. The emperor also implemented policies that encouraged agricultural productivity and fostered trade.
Continue ReadingPierre Varignon
Contributions to mathematics included work on mechanics and the calculus of variations. Developed the concept of moments in physics and contributed to the geometric theory of curves. Authored influential texts that provided insights into the mathematical principles underlying physics. Held a prominent academic position and was involved in the establishment of scientific standards during the 17th and early 18th centuries.
Continue Reading