What Happened This Year 1838

People Who Died in 1838

François-Nicolas-Benoît Haxo

French general and engineer with fortification expertise
Born
June 24th, 1774 250 years ago
Died
June 25th, 1838 186 years ago — 64 years old

Born in 1774, a French general and engineer in the French Army contributed greatly to military engineering and fortification design during the Napoleonic Wars. Haxo served in various military campaigns and was involved in significant battles across Europe. His work in improving fortifications played a crucial role in warfare strategies of the time. Haxo's designs emphasized the use of earthworks and other innovative materials in creating defensive structures. He gained recognition for his expertise in military architecture, and his contributions influenced the development of modern fortifications and military engineering principles.

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Pierre Louis Dulong

Physicist and chemist; Dulong-Petit law
Born
February 12th, 1785 240 years ago
Died
July 19th, 1838 186 years ago — 53 years old

Born in France, a physicist and chemist contributed significantly to the understanding of thermochemistry and atomic theory. Collaborated with Alexis Thérèse Petit to establish the Dulong-Petit law, which describes the heat capacities of solid elements. Worked on various aspects of chemical analysis and contributed to the development of the concepts of atomic specific heats. His research had a lasting influence on the field of thermodynamics and material sciences.

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Bernhard Crusell

Finnish composer of wind music
Born
October 15th, 1775 249 years ago
Died
July 28th, 1838 186 years ago — 62 years old

A composer and clarinetist, contributed significantly to music in the early 19th century. Crusell's compositions primarily focused on works for woodwinds, particularly the clarinet. He served as a conductor and wrote operas, chamber music, and concertos. Key works include his clarinet concertos, which are central to the clarinet repertoire, and operas such as 'Kärmesönn' and 'Mördarens död'. His influence extended beyond Finland, impacting the development of wind music in Europe.

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Lorenzo Da Ponte

Opera librettist for Mozart's works
Born
March 10th, 1749 276 years ago
Died
August 17th, 1838 186 years ago — 89 years old

An Italian-American priest and poet, contributed significantly to the world of opera through collaborations with composer Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart. Wrote librettos for several operas including 'The Marriage of Figaro,' 'Don Giovanni,' and 'Cosi fan tutte.' After moving to America, engaged in various pursuits, including founding an Italian-language school in New York. His literary contributions continue to be celebrated in the realms of music and literature.

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Adelbert von Chamisso

German botanist and poet
Born
January 30th, 1781 244 years ago
Died
August 21st, 1838 186 years ago — 57 years old

A prominent figure in botany and literature, contributed significantly to both fields. Authored the collection of poems titled 'Peter Schlemihl' which explores themes of identity and loss. Conducted a botanical expedition to the Pacific, leading to the discovery and classification of many plant species. Published scientific works that influenced the study of botany in Germany and beyond. His literary contributions are recognized for their depth and narrative style.

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Ferenc Kölcsey

Hungarian poet and political figure
Born
August 8th, 1790 234 years ago
Died
August 24th, 1838 186 years ago — 48 years old

A prominent figure in Hungarian literature, Kölcsey authored the national poem 'Himnusz', which became the official anthem of Hungary. His literary work also includes critical essays that significantly shaped Hungarian poetry. In addition to his contributions to literature, Kölcsey was active in politics, serving in various capacities and advocating for cultural and political reforms. His tenure in the national political scene placed him among the influential intellectuals of his time.

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William Clark

American soldier, explorer, and politician
Born
August 1st, 1770 254 years ago
Died
September 1st, 1838 186 years ago — 68 years old

In August 1770, an American soldier, explorer, and politician was born. This individual served as the 4th Governor of the Missouri Territory from 1813 to 1820. Alongside Meriwether Lewis, played a pivotal role in the Lewis and Clark Expedition, which lasted from 1804 to 1806 and aimed to explore the newly acquired western portion of the United States. Their journey provided valuable information and maps regarding the geography and native inhabitants of the region. Additionally, played a significant role in establishing relations with Native American tribes during and after the expedition. Later, served in various capacities, including as a territorial legislator.

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Charles Percier

French architect and interior designer
Born
August 22nd, 1764 260 years ago
Died
September 5th, 1838 186 years ago — 74 years old

An influential architect and interior designer, this individual played a significant role in the development of the neoclassical style in France. Active during the late 18th and early 19th centuries, he collaborated with fellow architect Pierre François Léonard Fontaine. The pair became prominent figures in the Empire style, which characterized the architecture and design during the Napoleonic era. The individual's work included various royal residences, and designs for the interior of the Château de Malmaison. Additionally, this person published key works that documented and illustrated decorative arts, securing a lasting legacy in French design history.

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Bernard Courtois

Chemist who discovered iodine
Born
February 12th, 1777 248 years ago
Died
September 27th, 1838 186 years ago — 61 years old

A chemist and academic made significant contributions to chemistry during the early 19th century. In 1811, discovered iodine while extracting substances from seaweed. This discovery was pivotal in the advancement of chemical education and practice. Also engaged in various academic pursuits, contributing to the understanding of chemical compounds and their uses in industry and medicine.

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