Charles Proteus Steinmetz - Wizard of Schenectady

There are names that are well-known in the world of inventors and science, such as Thomas Edison or Nikola Tesla. One of their contemporaries was just as influential, if not more, though his is not a household name. It is because of him, Charles Steinmetz, that we have the electrical advances of the last century. He, known as the "Wizard of Schenectady," the "Modern Jove," and "The Thunderer," who called himself a "queer, gnome-like figure," was the father of electrical engineering.

Charles as an adult

Princess Alexandrine of Prussia - Hope for Peace

When I am brainstorming post ideas, I often search for "famous people with _____." In this case, I wanted to know more about Down Syndrome. Because so many people with this were put into institutions and never spoken of again, it can be very difficult to find these stories. Every so often, though, an influential family had a child with Down Syndrome and chose to/had the resources to care for them at home. This is the case with our story today.

Alexandrine as a toddler

 

Hermann of Reichenau - Monk & Polymath

As you may have noticed, my primary historical interests are in the 19th and 20th centuries. In my desire to expand my knowledge of disability history, I've needed to branch out. This story goes way back to the European Middle Ages. Since this is not an era I know very well, I had to do a lot of extra research. It was a "sacrifice" that I happily made. This story also involves church history, which fascinates my husband and recently became another interest of mine.

 Hermann of Reichenau is known by many different names. His first name is sometimes anglicized as Herman, latinized as Hermannus, or written in the older form as Heriman. He has been known as Hermann of Vöhringen after his birthplace. Traditionally, he was also called "Hermannus Contractus," which appeared in English as "Hermann the Lame," "Hermann the Cripple," or "Hermann the Twisted."