Richard Chenevix (1790-1830) was an Irish chemist known for his contributions to the field of chemistry, particularly in the study of chemical reactions and the properties of various elements. He conducted important research during a time when chemistry was rapidly developing as a science, and he was among the early figures to explore the nature of chemical substances systematically. Chenevix is notable for his investigations into the behaviors and characteristics of metals and other compounds.
Richard Henderson is a prominent British biologist known for his pioneering work in the field of structural biology, particularly in the area of cryo-electron microscopy (cryo-EM). He was awarded the Nobel Prize in Chemistry in 2017, alongside Jacques Dubochet and Joachim Frank, for their contributions to the development of this technique, which allows scientists to visualize the structures of biological macromolecules at very high resolutions.
Richard Kirwan (1733–1812) was an Irish chemist and geologist noted for his contributions to the early understanding of geology and mineralogy. He is often recognized for his work in classifying minerals and his influential text, "The Elements of Mineralogy," in which he detailed various minerals and their properties. Kirwan was also involved in the establishment of scientific societies and contributed to the popularization of scientific knowledge in Ireland during his time.
Richard Owen (1804–1892) was a prominent English biologist, paleontologist, and anatomist. He is best known for his work in comparative anatomy and for being the first to describe and name the dinosaur group. He coined the term "Dinosauria" in 1842, which includes the large group of reptiles, such as the well-known species Tyrannosaurus rex and Triceratops.
Robert Burns Woodward (1917–1979) was a prominent American organic chemist renowned for his contributions to the field of chemistry, particularly in the area of natural product synthesis. He is best known for his work in developing synthetic methods for complex organic molecules, earning him significant recognition and respect within the scientific community.
Robert Robinson (1886-1975) was a prominent British chemist known for his significant contributions to organic chemistry, particularly in the area of alkaloid chemistry. He is best known for his work on the structures of complex molecules and the development of synthesis methods for natural products. One of his most notable achievements was the synthesis of complex alkaloids, which are organic compounds containing basic nitrogen atoms and are often derived from plant sources.
Robert Seppings is known for his contributions to maritime engineering, particularly in the design of ship hulls. He is often associated with the invention of the "Seppings' hull," which was designed to improve the stability and efficiency of ships. His work in the early 19th century emphasized the importance of hull shape and structural integrity in shipbuilding.
Robin Hill is a prominent British biochemist known for his research in the field of photosynthesis. He is particularly recognized for the "Hill reaction," which describes the process by which light energy is used to drive the synthesis of glucose from carbon dioxide and water in plants. This reaction is fundamental to understanding how photosynthesis works and has implications for both plant biology and bioenergy research.
Roderick Murchison (1792–1871) was a prominent Scottish geologist and one of the key figures in the early development of geological science in the 19th century. He is best known for his work on the geology of Europe, particularly for his studies of the geology of Scotland and his identification of the Silurian system of rocks, which he named after the Silures, an ancient Celtic tribe in what is now Wales.
Rodney Robert Porter (1917–1985) was a prominent British biochemist known for his significant contributions to the understanding of the structure and function of antibodies. He was awarded the Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine in 1972, which he shared with Gerald M. Edelman for their discoveries concerning the biological role of antibodies.
Rudolf Virchow (1821–1902) was a prominent German physician, pathologist, anthropologist, and politician, often regarded as one of the founders of modern cellular pathology. He is best known for his assertion that "omnis cellula e cellula," meaning that all cells arise from pre-existing cells. This principle significantly advanced the understanding of how diseases develop at the cellular level.
Simon Newcomb (1835–1909) was a prominent American mathematician, astronomer, and professor, known for his significant contributions to the fields of astronomy, mathematics, and statistical analysis. He played a key role in the development of astronomical tables and various methods of astronomical calculations. Newcomb is best known for his work on celestial mechanics and his formulation of the Newcomb's formula for determining the positions of celestial bodies.
Sir Benjamin Collins Brodie, 1st Baronet (1783–1862) was a notable British surgeon and anatomist during the 19th century. He was born in England and became well-known for his contributions to surgery and the understanding of human anatomy. Brodie was particularly recognized for his surgical techniques and advancements in the treatment of diseases, especially those affecting the joints and bones.
Sir John Pringle, 1st Baronet (1707 – 1782), was a prominent Scottish physician and a significant figure in the history of medicine. He is best known for his contributions to the fields of military medicine and public health. Pringle served as an army physician during the War of the Austrian Succession and the Seven Years' War, where he observed the effects of military conditions on health.
Smithson Tennant is a name associated with the discovery of the element osmium and the investigation of the elements platinum and iridium. Smithson Tennant (1761–1815) was a British chemist and a notable figure in the study of noble metals. He is best known for his work in isolating and identifying these elements, which are characterized by their resistance to corrosion and oxidation. Tennant played a crucial role in the understanding of the properties and applications of these metals.
Stanislao Cannizzaro (1826–1910) was an Italian chemist known for his contributions to the development of modern atomic theory and his role in the advancement of chemical education. He is perhaps best known for Cannizzaro's reaction, which is a method for the disproportionation of aldehydes, and for his role in establishing a clearer understanding of the mole concept and the distinction between atomic and molecular weights.
Stephen Hales (1677-1761) was an English minister, scientist, and notable early figure in the field of botany and physiology. He is best known for his pioneering work in plant physiology, particularly his studies on plant transpiration and their ability to absorb water and nutrients from the soil. Hales conducted various experiments that laid the groundwork for understanding fluid movement in plants.
Sydney Brenner (1927–2019) was a renowned South African biologist, best known for his groundbreaking work in the field of molecular biology and genetics. He played a significant role in the development of the use of the nematode Caenorhabditis elegans (C. elegans) as a model organism for studying developmental biology and neurobiology. Brenner's work contributed to the understanding of the genetic code, RNA functions, and the mechanisms of gene regulation.
Tadeusz Reichstein (1897–1996) was a Polish chemist who made significant contributions to the field of biochemistry, particularly in the study of cortisols and other steroid hormones. He is best known for his work in the area of steroid synthesis and for his research related to the adrenal cortex hormones, which are crucial for regulating various physiological processes in the body.
Theobald Smith (1859–1934) was an influential American microbiologist known for his pioneering work in bacteriology and epidemiology. His contributions to the field included important research on the causes of diseases such as typhoid fever, and he is often recognized for his discovery of the causative agent of the disease known as "Texas cattle fever." Smith played a crucial role in advancements in vaccination and the understanding of infectious diseases. He also worked extensively with the U.S.