May 18

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  1048: Polymath, scholar, mathematician, astronomer, philosopher, and poet Omar Khayyám born. He wrote one of the most important treatises on algebra written before modern times, the Treatise on Demonstration of Problems of Algebra (1070), which includes a geometric method for solving cubic equations by intersecting a hyperbola with a circle. As an astronomer, he designed the Jalali calendar, a solar calendar with a very precise 33-year intercalation cycle.

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  1711: Polymath Roger Joseph Boscovich born. He will be a physicist, astronomer, mathematician, philosopher, diplomat, poet, theologian, and Jesuit priest.

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  1822: Photographer and journalist Mathew Brady born. He will be one of the first American photographers, best known for his scenes of the Civil War.

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  1850: Self-taught electrical engineer, mathematician, and physicist Oliver Heaviside born. Heaviside will make major breakthroughs in the applied mathematics of electrical engineering; although he will be at odds with the scientific establishment for most of his life, Heaviside will change the face of telecommunications, mathematics, and science for years to come.

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  1872: Philosopher, logician, mathematician, historian, writer, social critic and political activist Bertrand Russell born.

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  1902: "Fightin'" Bert Russell defeats Baron Zersetzung with knockout punch in the third round of bare-knuckled boxing at the World Peace Conference.