Born on This Day: August 16

English manufacturer whose partnership with James Watt helped spread steam power and modern industrial production.

French astronomer and surveyor whose observations and geodetic work helped define the meter and advance celestial measurement.

French physicist whose interference-based process produced the first durable color photographs.

British archaeologist and officer whose role in the Arab Revolt and later writings shaped modern Middle Eastern history and literature.

American animator whose work on Felix the Cat helped establish early animated film.

German-American writer whose direct style and depictions of working-class life influenced contemporary poetry and fiction.

American actor and entrepreneur whose portrayals of frontier figures shaped television’s popular image of American history.

Canadian filmmaker and explorer whose technical innovations transformed blockbuster cinema and underwater documentation.