What Happened This Year 1940
People Who Died in 1940
Edward LeSaint
An American actor and director contributed significantly to early cinema. Career spanned from the silent film era to the advent of sound films, showcasing a range of talent both in front of and behind the camera. Directed and starred in several productions, leaving a mark on the film industry during the early 20th century. Gained recognition for directorial work and acting performances in multiple films.
Continue ReadingCharles W. Woodworth
Contributed significantly to the field of entomology. Focused research on the life cycles and control of agricultural pests. Served as a professor at the University of California, Berkeley, where teaching and research on insect behavior and taxonomy flourished. Played a key role in founding the Entomological Society of America and held the presidency of that organization. His work also included studies on the ecology of certain insect species.
Continue ReadingOtto Toeplitz
Contributions included work in topology and functional analysis. Authored significant texts on mathematics and education. Served in various academic positions, influencing mathematical research and teaching methods. Engaged in promoting mathematics in educational institutions, particularly in Germany. Published numerous articles and monographs throughout his career, addressing key mathematical concepts and theories.
Continue ReadingMartti Marttelin
Born in 1897, a Finnish runner specialized in middle-distance events, particularly excelled in the 1500 meters. Competed in the 1920 Summer Olympics held in Antwerp, representing Finland. Participated in national competitions and achieved several titles throughout the athletic career. Established a legacy within Finnish athletics during a period of notable distance running excellence.
Continue ReadingFrederick Cook
A physician and explorer, contributed to Arctic exploration. Claimed to have reached the North Pole in 1908, challenging the earlier claims of Robert Peary. Authored several books detailing expeditions and experiences in the Arctic. Participated in multiple expeditions, including a major journey to Greenland.
Continue ReadingCharles Sumner Tainter
An engineer and inventor contributed significantly to the development of sound recording technologies. Tainter co-invented the Graphophone, an early phonograph, which utilized wax cylinders for recording sound. This innovation represented a major advancement in audio recording and playback. Tainter also held several patents related to sound technology and played a key role in the establishment of the Columbia Phonograph Company, promoting the commercial use of the Graphophone. His work laid the foundation for future advancements in audio technology, influencing the evolution of music and sound recording industries.
Continue ReadingJacques-Arsène d'Arsonval
Contributions to the fields of physics and medicine included the development of thermography, a technique for measuring temperature variations in living tissues. Focused on the study of electrical phenomena, particularly the effects of electromagnetic fields on biological systems. Served as a physician and worked extensively on the medical applications of electricity. His research advanced the understanding of the physiological effects of electrical therapies and laid groundwork for future innovations in medical diagnostics.
Continue ReadingJózef Marcinkiewicz
A soldier and mathematician, contributed to the field of mathematics through research and teaching. Involved in military activities during World War II, participating in the defense of Poland. Later became an academic, focusing on various mathematical theories, particularly in functional analysis and topology. Marcinkiewicz's work was influential in the development of certain mathematical concepts, and he is remembered for both his military and academic efforts.
Continue ReadingWilliam Henry Davies
Born in Wales in 1871, this poet and writer became recognized for his vivid depictions of nature and his examinations of the human condition. After a troubled childhood and a series of odd jobs, he found solace in writing poetry. Davies published several collections, with 'The Autobiography of a Super-Tramp' receiving particular acclaim. The work chronicles his experiences as a wanderer and his reflections on society. His poetry often combined themes of nature and personal experience, displaying a deep appreciation for the world around him. Throughout his career, he contributed to various literary magazines and continued to write until his death in 1940.
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