What Happened This Year 1842

Born in 1842

Clarence King

Geologist and mountaineer with fame
Born
January 6th, 1842 183 years ago
Died
1901 124 years ago — 59 years old

Contributed significantly to American geology during the 19th century. Led the geological survey of the 40th parallel, which explored the western United States. Authored 'Mountaineering in the Sierra Nevada', detailing climbs and the area's geology. Served as the first director of the U.S. Geological Survey. Involved in various scientific and literary pursuits, contributing articles to publications on geology and mountaineering. Engaged in discussions about race and science, and criticized pseudoscientific views of the time.

Continue Reading

Luigi Pigorini

Italian paleontologist and archaeologist
Born
January 10th, 1842 183 years ago
Died
1925 100 years ago — 83 years old

Luigi Pigorini contributed significantly to the fields of paleontology, archaeology, and ethnography in Italy. Pigorini studied prehistoric artifacts and was instrumental in establishing modern archaeological techniques. He founded the Italian Society of Anthropology and Ethnology. His work included excavating important sites and conducting research on the origins of ancient populations. Pigorini also wrote extensively on paleolithic and neolithic periods, offering insights into human development and culture. His studies laid the groundwork for future research in these disciplines.

Continue Reading

William James

Psychologist and philosopher, 'The Principles of Psychology'
Born
January 11th, 1842 183 years ago
Died
August 26th, 1910 114 years ago — 68 years old

Contributed significantly to psychology and philosophy, emphasizing the functionalist perspective. Served as a professor at Harvard University, where influential lectures and writings shaped modern psychology. Introduced the concept of stream of consciousness and advocated for pragmatism as a philosophical approach. Published notable works including 'The Principles of Psychology' and 'The Varieties of Religious Experience'.

Continue Reading

Josef Breuer

Austrian physician and psychiatrist
Born
January 15th, 1842 183 years ago
Died
June 20th, 1925 99 years ago — 83 years old

Pioneered psychoanalysis alongside Sigmund Freud. Developed the 'talking cure,’ effectively using conversation in psychotherapeutic treatment. Conducted research on hysteria and published works analyzing its effects, significantly contributing to the understanding of psychological disorders. His collaboration with Freud laid the groundwork for modern psychotherapy. Also contributed to the field of psychosomatic medicine.

Continue Reading

Mary MacKillop

Australian nun and co-founder of a religious order
Born
January 15th, 1842 183 years ago
Died
August 8th, 1909 115 years ago — 67 years old

Born in 1842, a significant religious figure co-founded the Sisters of St Joseph of the Sacred Heart, aiming to address the educational needs of rural children in Australia. Established schools and charitable organizations, advocating for social justice and the improvement of living conditions for the impoverished. Canonized as a saint in 2010 by the Catholic Church, recognized as Australia's first saint. Contributed to the development of Catholic education in Australia, emphasizing the importance of accessibility to education for all.

Continue Reading

A. A. Ames

American physician and Mayor of Minneapolis
Born
January 18th, 1842 183 years ago
Died
November 16th, 1911 113 years ago — 69 years old

Born in 1842, this individual served as a physician and held the position of Mayor of Minneapolis. The mayoralty spanned significant local developments and efforts in public health and urban governance. The tenure contributed to shaping the administrative and civic landscape of the city during a transformative period.

Continue Reading

François Coppée

French poet and author of 'Le Pater'
Born
January 26th, 1842 183 years ago
Died
May 23rd, 1908 116 years ago — 66 years old

Born in 1842, this individual became a prominent French poet and author. With a background in literature and a penchant for depicting the struggles of everyday life, this writer gained recognition for both poetry and prose. The literary contributions spanned several genres, with significant works including 'Le Pater', a reflection on the Lord's Prayer, which resonated deeply with audiences. The author's engagement with themes of faith, love, and the human condition established a lasting legacy in French literature.

Continue Reading

Arkhip Kuindzhi

Ukrainian-Russian landscape painter
Born
January 27th, 1842 183 years ago
Died
July 24th, 1910 114 years ago — 68 years old

Born in 1842, a Ukrainian-Russian painter specialized in landscape art, capturing the beauty of nature with a unique use of light and color. Early career involved working as a restorer and an illustrator before gaining recognition for significant works. Inspired by the natural landscapes of the Russian countryside, produced a variety of iconic paintings that exemplified the influence of light on the environment. Invited to exhibit at major art exhibitions, including the Society for Traveling Art Exhibitions. A member of the Moscow School of Painting, Sculpture and Architecture and later became a professor at the same institution, shaping future generations of artists. His legacy includes recognizable pieces that continue to be studied and celebrated in art history.

Continue Reading

Julian Sochocki

Mathematician and academic, developed theories
Born
February 2nd, 1842 183 years ago
Died
December 14th, 1927 97 years ago — 85 years old

Born in 1842, this Polish-Russian mathematician made significant contributions to the field of mathematics, particularly in theory development. His academic career was marked by work at various institutions where he focused on advancing mathematical knowledge. His research influenced subsequent generations of mathematicians and contributed to the establishment of several mathematical principles still studied today.

Continue Reading