Born and died in 1707

French natural historian, mathematician, and cosmologist who directed the Jardin du Roi and authored the influential Histoire naturelle, générale et particulière

King of Spain known for one of the shortest reigns in history, ruling for just over seven months

Swedish botanist and physician who formalized binomial nomenclature and is known as the 'father of modern taxonomy'

English novelist, dramatist, and judge known for pioneering the traditional English novel and founding London's first professional police force, the Bow Street Runners

Italian playwright and librettist celebrated for his witty comedies that mirrored the lives and values of 18th-century Venetian society

Danish-German organist and composer of the middle Baroque era whose works significantly influenced Bach and Handel