John Herschel, English mathematician and astronomer (d. 1871)
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.
1792Mar, 7
John Herschel
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Events on 1792
- 20Feb
United States Postal Service
The Postal Service Act, establishing the United States Post Office Department, is signed by United States President George Washington. - 5Apr
Veto
United States President George Washington exercises his authority to veto a bill, the first time this power is used in the United States. - 21Apr
Hanged, drawn and quartered
Tiradentes, a revolutionary leading a movement for Brazil's independence, is hanged, drawn and quartered. - 28Apr
French Revolutionary Wars
France invades the Austrian Netherlands (present day Belgium and Luxembourg), beginning the French Revolutionary Wars. - 15May
Kingdom of Sardinia
War of the First Coalition: France declares war on Kingdom of Sardinia.