Deaths on May 11

John Herschel

Died on May 11, 1871

John Herschel, English mathematician, astronomer, and chemist (b. 1792)

Sir John Frederick William Herschel, 1st Baronet (; 7 March 1792 – 11 May 1871) was an English polymath active as a mathematician, astronomer, chemist, inventor, experimental photographer who invented the blueprint, and did botanical work.Herschel originated the use of the Julian day system in astronomy. He named seven moons of Saturn and four moons of Uranus – the seventh planet, discovered by his father Sir William Herschel. He made many contributions to the science of photography, and investigated colour blindness and the chemical power of ultraviolet rays. His Preliminary Discourse (1831), which advocated an inductive approach to scientific experiment and theory-building, was an important contribution to the philosophy of science.

References

John Herschel

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Events on 1871

28 Jan

Siege of Paris (1870-71)
Franco-Prussian War: The Siege of Paris ends in French defeat and an armistice.
17 Feb

Siege of Paris (1870-71)
The victorious Prussian Army parades through Paris, France, after the end of the Siege of Paris during the Franco-Prussian War.
21 May

Bloody Week
French troops invade the Paris Commune and engage its residents in street fighting. By the close of "Bloody Week", some 20,000 communards have been killed and 38,000 arrested.
28 Sep

Slavery in Brazil
The Brazilian Parliament passes the Law of the Free Womb, granting freedom to all new children born to slaves, the first major step in the eradication of slavery in Brazil.
8 Oct

Great Chicago Fire
Four major fires break out on the shores of Lake Michigan in Chicago, Peshtigo, Wisconsin, Holland, Michigan, and Manistee, Michigan including the Great Chicago Fire, and the much deadlier Peshtigo Fire.

Deaths on May 11

John Herschel

Died on May 11, 1871

References

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Events on 1871

Siege of Paris (1870-71)

Siege of Paris (1870-71)

Bloody Week

Slavery in Brazil

Great Chicago Fire