Emil Bessels (1847 - 1888)

Dr. Emil Bessels (2 June 1846 – 30 March 1888) was a German Jewish physician and Arctic explorer. Born in Heidelberg, Germany, he studied medicine and natural sciences in his home town and at the university of Jena. Bessels spent much of his scientific career working for the Smithsonian Institution. He took part in several Arctic expeditions during his life an died of a stroke at 41 years of age.