August 30

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  1751: Scientist, inventor, and industrialist Christopher Polhem dies. He made significant contributions to the economic and industrial development of Sweden, particularly mining.

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  1844: Astronomer Francis Baily dies. He observed "Baily's beads" during an annular eclipse (1836).

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  1884: Chemist and academic Theodor Svedberg born. He will be awarded the 1926 Nobel Prize in Chemistry for his pioneering use of analytical ultracentrifugation to distinguish pure proteins from one another.

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  1906: Mathematician and academic Olga Taussky-Todd born. She will contribute to matrix theory (in particular the computational stability of complex matrices), algebraic number theory, group theory, and numerical analysis.

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  1940: Physicist, academic, and Nobel laureate J. J. Thomson dies. His research in cathode rays led to the discovery of the electron. Thomson also discovered the first evidence for isotopes of a stable element.

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  1954: The Worcester Lunch Car Company's Research Division announces daily Flying Diner breakfast and dinner flights between San Francisco and New Minneapolis.

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  2013: Poet, playwright, translator, and lecturer Seamus Heaney dies. He received the 1995 Nobel Prize in Literature.