What Happened This Year 1704

Born in 1704

Soame Jenyns

English author and poet
Born
January 1st, 1704 321 years ago
Died
December 18th, 1787 237 years ago — 83 years old

An English author, poet, and politician active in the 18th century. Worked in the literary and political realms, achieving recognition for various written works. Contributed significantly to literature with notable essays and poetry. Engaged in political pursuits, serving as a Member of Parliament for different constituencies. His contributions included a critical examination of the political landscape of the time.

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Charles Pinot Duclos

French author and playwright
Born
February 12th, 1704 321 years ago
Died
March 26th, 1772 252 years ago — 68 years old

Famed for contributions to literary criticism and narrative prose, this author published works that reflected on society in the 18th century. Some writings offered keen observations of the cultural and philosophical trends of the time. His essays and commentaries often engaged with the ideas of the Enlightenment, addressing themes of morality and human behavior. The text "The History of the French Literature" became a significant publication that influenced understanding of literary criticism during that period.

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Louis Godin

French astronomer and academic.
Born
February 28th, 1704 321 years ago
Died
September 11th, 1760 264 years ago — 56 years old

Contributed significantly to the fields of astronomy and geography. Participated in the French Geodesic Mission to Peru in the 18th century, aimed at measuring the degree of meridian curvature. Worked on improving methods for calculating geographical positions using celestial observations. Published various scientific works, enhancing understanding of planetary motion and Earth sciences.

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Benjamin Heath

English scholar and author
Born
April 10th, 1704 320 years ago
Died
September 13th, 1766 258 years ago — 62 years old

Born in 1704, the English scholar and author made significant contributions to the field of classical literature and education. Heath served as a schoolmaster and was involved in various scholarly pursuits, including writing and translating classical texts. He published works focused on rhetoric and poetry, which were recognized as valuable resources in literature. His scholarly dedication advanced the study of classical works in England, promoting their importance in education and culture.

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Benjamin Huntsman

English inventor of crucible steel
Born
June 4th, 1704 320 years ago
Died
June 20th, 1776 248 years ago — 72 years old

An English inventor and businessman contributed to metallurgy through the invention of crucible steel in the 18th century. Huntsman established a factory in Sheffield, where the production of high-quality steel became renowned. His innovation allowed for the creation of tools and cutlery that were superior in durability and functionality. Huntsman's methods paved the way for advancements in steel-making that influenced industrial practices and economic growth within the region.

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Carlos Seixas

Portuguese organist and composer
Born
June 11th, 1704 320 years ago
Died
August 25th, 1742 282 years ago — 38 years old

Carlos Seixas was a prominent Portuguese organist and composer during the Baroque period. Seixas contributed significantly to the development of keyboard music in Portugal and was well regarded for his compositions for the harpsichord and organ. He served as the court organist in Lisbon and created a body of work that includes sonatas and variations influenced by both native and European musical traditions. His compositions showcased the stylistic characteristics of the period, merging intricate counterpoint with melodic clarity. Seixas's music is celebrated today for its technical demands and emotional depth, reflecting the cultural climate of 18th-century Portugal.

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Jean-Baptiste de Boyer

French philosopher and author of essays
Born
June 24th, 1704 320 years ago
Died
January 11th, 1771 254 years ago — 66 years old

A prominent philosopher and author, contributed significantly to the intellectual landscape of the 18th century. Published numerous essays that explored various themes including religion, morality, and society. Engaged with Enlightenment ideas, promoting rational thought and empirical evidence. Corresponded with leading figures of the time and completed several important works that reflected the spirit of the age. Held the title of Marquis d'Argens, which symbolized social status within French nobility. His writings often challenged traditional beliefs and advocated for a more informed approach to philosophy and ethics.

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August Gottlieb Spangenberg

German bishop and theologian
Born
July 15th, 1704 320 years ago
Died
September 18th, 1792 232 years ago — 88 years old

Bishop and theologian played a pivotal role in the Moravian Church during the 18th century. Emphasized education and mission work, establishing numerous congregations in Europe and North America. Contributed significantly to the doctrinal standards of the Moravian community and was instrumental in shaping its governance. Authored various theological texts that addressed the beliefs and practices of the Moravian Church.

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Gabriel Cramer

Swiss mathematician and physicist
Born
July 31st, 1704 320 years ago
Died
1752 273 years ago — 48 years old

A mathematician and physicist from Switzerland, contributed significantly to the fields of mathematics and physics in the 18th century. Cramer is recognized for formulating Cramer's Rule, which provides a solution to linear equations using determinants, an essential method in linear algebra. Cramer also published works on geometry and mechanics, influencing future generations of mathematicians and scientists. His contributions laid the groundwork for many modern mathematical techniques.

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