What Happened This Year 1654

Born in 1654

Pierre Varignon

French mathematician and academic
Born
1654 371 years ago
Died
December 23rd, 1722 302 years ago — 68 years old

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.

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Edward Nott

Colonial Governor of Virginia
Born
1654 371 years ago
Died
August 23rd, 1706 318 years ago — 52 years old

Served as the Colonial Governor of Virginia during the early 18th century. Oversaw the colony during a time of growth and development. Managed relations with Indigenous tribes while addressing issues related to governance and colonial society.

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Robert Leke

English Earl and politician in the 1700s
Born
1654 371 years ago
Died
December 27th, 1707 317 years ago — 53 years old

Held the title of 3rd Earl of Scarsdale. Served in the House of Lords, contributing to the political landscape of England in the late 17th and early 18th centuries. Engaged in various local governance matters related to Derbyshire and national political discussions. Involved in the political dynamics of the time, focusing on land management and estate affairs.

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Jacob Bernoulli

Swiss mathematician and theorist, probability
Born
1654 371 years ago
Died
August 16th, 1705 319 years ago — 51 years old

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.

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Constantin Brâncoveanu

Romanian prince and ruler
Born
1654 371 years ago
Died
August 15th, 1714 310 years ago — 60 years old

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.

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Thomas Grey

English politician and Chancellor
Born
1654 371 years ago
Died
January 31st, 1720 305 years ago — 66 years old

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.

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