Anders Celsius shows up on today’s list of events, although it is neither the anniversary of his birth nor death, but of an event where he played a minor but crucial role. You may know the Celsius temperature scale from chemistry or biology, which portioned out 100 degrees between zero at water’s boiling point and… Continue reading December 3: The Shape of the Earth
Category: Science
November 4: Chloroform
In 1847, a London obstetrician named James Simpson invited a few friends over for an experiment. He was interested in finding an anesthetic that could be used during difficult childbirth situations, especially those involving surgery. He had managed to obtain some chloroform from a local pharmacist. Sitting together in his dining room on the evening… Continue reading November 4: Chloroform
October 30: Lucas Watzenrode
On this date in 1447, Lucas Watzenrode was born. A nobleman from Weizenrodau in Poland, he studied theology at universities in Krakow, Cologne, and Bolona, became a priest and then bishop under Pope Innocent VIII, and in a political compromise between the King of Poland and the Pope, became Prince-Bishop of Warmia, an autonomous Bishop.… Continue reading October 30: Lucas Watzenrode