What Happened This Year 1879
Born in 1879
Maud Menten
Contributions to biochemistry included work on enzyme kinetics and histochemistry. Collaborated with Leonor Michaelis to describe the Michaelis-Menten equation, a foundational principle in enzyme kinetics. Menten's research also advanced understanding of enzyme reactions and tissue staining techniques. Held a faculty position at the University of Toronto and published many scientific papers throughout a career spanning several decades.
Continue ReadingNeyzen Tevfik
An influential figure in Turkish literature and philosophy. Contributed significantly to the Sufi tradition through poetry and thought. His works often reflected themes of mysticism and existentialism. Involved in the literary circles of early 20th-century Turkey, engaging with various social and political issues of the time. Left a lasting legacy through impactful poems and philosophical discourses that resonate in Turkish culture.
Continue ReadingAmedee Reyburn
Competed in swimming and water polo during the early 20th century. Achieved recognition at the 1904 St. Louis Summer Olympics, representing the United States. Participated in the first water polo event in Olympic history. Contributed to the development of the sport through participation in various competitions.
Continue ReadingOthmar Ammann
An engineer who significantly contributed to modern bridge design, specializing in arch and suspension bridges. Designed the George Washington Bridge, completed in 1931, which became a vital transportation route across the Hudson River. Additionally, developed the Verrazzano-Narrows Bridge, finished in 1964, which served as a critical link between Staten Island and Brooklyn, and was recognized for its engineering excellence.
Continue ReadingMiller Huggins
Contributed significantly to Major League Baseball both as a player and manager. Played as a second baseman for the American League teams St. Louis Cardinals and the New York Yankees. Managed the New York Yankees from 1918 until 1929, leading the team to three American League championships. His managerial career was marked by a strong emphasis on discipline and strategy, garnering respect within the sport.
Continue ReadingEdward Steichen
A Luxembourgian-American photographer and painter, this individual had a profound influence on photography as an art form. Steichen served as chief photographer for the New York City art gallery The Museum of Modern Art, where he curated several significant exhibitions, including 'The Family of Man' in 1955, which featured over 500 photographs from 68 countries. This exhibition became one of the most popular exhibits in the history of photography. He also had a notable career in fashion photography during the 1920s and 1930s for Vogue and Harper's Bazaar. Throughout his career, he experimented with various photographic techniques and was instrumental in establishing photography's place in modern art.
Continue ReadingSándor Garbai
Served as the 19th Prime Minister of Hungary from 1918 to 1919 during a turbulent period following World War I. Spearheaded efforts to establish a republic after the collapse of the Austro-Hungarian Empire. Focused on social reforms and policy changes in the aftermath of the war and the Hungarian Revolution of 1919. Resigned amid political instability and the rise of the counter-revolutionary forces.
Continue ReadingTerence MacSwiney
A prominent Irish republican politician, served as Lord Mayor of Cork. Engaged in political activism against British rule in Ireland and became an important figure during the struggle for Irish independence. Imprisoned in 1920, led a hunger strike to protest against British policies. His death from starvation garnered international attention and highlighted the plight of Irish republicans. His ideals and the manner of his death influenced the movement towards Irish self-governance.
Continue ReadingCoen de Koning
Excelled in speed skating during the early 20th century. Competed in the 1908 Summer Olympics where speed skating was included as a demonstration sport. Secured a gold medal in the 5000 meters event during those games. Participated in various international competitions, contributing to the popularity of speed skating in the Netherlands.
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