What Happened This Year 1718

Born in 1718

Maria Gaetana Agnesi

Mathematician and philosopher, wrote 'Analytical Institutions'
Born
May 16th, 1718 306 years ago
Died
January 9th, 1799 226 years ago — 80 years old

An Italian mathematician and philosopher contributed significantly to mathematics and philosophy during the 18th century. Renowned for writing 'Analytical Institutions', which focused on calculus and introduced the concept of the witch of Agnesi. Also served as a professor at the Bologna University. Her work bridged the gap between geometry and analysis, and she was one of the first women to gain recognition in a male-dominated field. Agnesi’s contributions included advancements in the study of differential equations and functions, further enriching the mathematical discourse of her time. In her later years, she dedicated herself to charitable works and education.

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Robert Darcy

English politician and diplomat
Born
May 17th, 1718 306 years ago
Died
May 16th, 1778 246 years ago — 59 years old

Served as the 4th Earl of Holderness and held the position of Secretary of State for the Southern Department. Active in British politics during the 18th century, facilitated diplomatic relations and policy formulation. Negotiated important treaties and corresponded with various political figures of the time.

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William Hunter

Anatomist and physician; known for anatomy
Born
May 23rd, 1718 306 years ago
Died
March 30th, 1783 241 years ago — 64 years old

A Scottish anatomist and physician, contributed significantly to the study of anatomy and obstetrics. Established a renowned anatomy school in London, which became a cornerstone for medical education. Published influential works including 'The Anatomy of the Human Gravid Uterus' and 'The Anatomy of the Human Body.' Hunter's meticulous dissections and illustrations advanced understanding of human anatomy and fetal development, shaping future medical practices and education.

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Wills Hill

English Politician and 1st Marquess of Downshire
Born
May 30th, 1718 306 years ago
Died
October 7th, 1793 231 years ago — 75 years old

Served as a prominent English politician during the 18th century. Held the title of 1st Marquess of Downshire and worked as Secretary of State for the Colonies. Contributed to colonial administration and governance, addressing issues related to land and trade. Engaged in significant political discussions of the era.

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George Howard

Field Marshal and politician, Governor
Born
June 17th, 1718 306 years ago
Died
July 16th, 1796 228 years ago — 78 years old

Field Marshal and politician served in the British Army. Held the position of Governor of Minorca, contributing to military and colonial governance in the 18th century. Actively participated in various campaigns during the War of the Austrian Succession. Engaged in administrative duties that affected the operational efficiency of the British forces in the Mediterranean region. Instrumental in fostering relations between military and civilian governance in his role as governor.

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Francis Seymour-Conway

1st Marquess of Hertford, politician
Born
July 5th, 1718 306 years ago
Died
June 14th, 1794 230 years ago — 75 years old

Served as a prominent English courtier and politician. Held the title of Lord Lieutenant of Ireland, overseeing the administration of the country during a pivotal period. Played a significant role in managing relations between Ireland and Great Britain. Contributed to various governmental functions, influencing policy and administration during his tenure.

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Saverio Bettinelli

Italian poet and playwright
Born
July 18th, 1718 306 years ago
Died
September 13th, 1808 216 years ago — 90 years old

Born in 1718, this individual contributed significantly to Italian literature through poetry, plays, and critical writings. Active during the 18th century, the work encompassed various literary forms while also engaging with contemporary literary debates. The contribution to the dramatic arts included theatrical plays that were staged in Italy. Additionally, the critique of both poetry and drama provided a framework for evaluating literary merit during the Enlightenment period. The individual's literary voice reflected the cultural and philosophical movements of the time, influencing the literary community in Italy.

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John Canton

English physicist and academic researcher
Born
July 31st, 1718 306 years ago
Died
March 22nd, 1772 252 years ago — 53 years old

An English physicist and academic contributed significantly to the field of experimental physics. Best remembered for inventing the electrometer, which measured electric charge and helped advance the understanding of electricity. Served as a professor at the Royal Academy, where teachings included topics on natural philosophy and electrical experiments. Conducted experiments on heat conduction and published numerous papers on the behavior of electrified bodies.

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Frederick Haldimand

Governor of Quebec and military general
Born
August 11th, 1718 306 years ago
Died
June 5th, 1791 233 years ago — 72 years old

Born in 1718, a prominent figure served as the 22nd Governor of Quebec from 1778 to 1784. Originally from Switzerland, later became associated with British military efforts in North America during the Seven Years' War. Influenced colonial administration and policy through governance, focusing on military and settlement issues.

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